Ignacio Corsini
Real name Andrea Corsini
Life 3 February 1891 – 26 July 1967
Pseudonyms
-
• El Caballero Cantor
Occupation
-
• singer
• composer
• lyricist
Instrument
-
• voice
Place of birth Agira, Enna
Country of birth Italy
Citizenship
-
• Argentina
TodoTango: Link
Ignacio Corsini
Ignacio Corsini (born Andrea Corsini, February 13, 1891 – July 26, 1967) was an Italian-born Argentine singer, composer, and actor. Known as El Caballero Cantor (The Gentleman Singer), Corsini became a central figure in the history of Argentine music, particularly in the development of tango and folk genres. His voice, both elegant and rustic, left a lasting mark on generations of listeners and musicians.
Early Life
Corsini was born in Troina, Sicily, Italy. He emigrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina with his mother in 1901, settling in the neighborhood of Almagro. Later they moved to the rural town of Carlos Tejedor in Buenos Aires Province. Corsini worked as a herdsman and claimed that the birds of the pampas taught him how to sing: “The birds taught me to sing spontaneously, naturally, and effortlessly, amidst the vastness of nature.”
Career
Entry into Music
In 1907, Corsini returned to Buenos Aires and became influenced by the legendary payador José Betinotti. He also met circus performer José Pacheco, whose daughter Victoria he would later marry in 1911. Pacheco helped Corsini get involved with theater, leading to his early performances as a singer and actor.
Corsini's first recordings were made in 1912 for the Victor label, primarily in the Argentine folk genre.
Embrace of Tango
Although he began as a folk singer, Corsini transitioned into tango in the 1920s. A pivotal moment came in 1922 with his performance of Patotero sentimental in the play El bailarín del cabaret. His tender, lyrical voice brought a new dimension to tango interpretation.
Notable Works
Corsini popularized many iconic songs, most notably:
- Caminito (1927) – one of the most celebrated tangos worldwide
- La pulpera de Santa Lucía
- Tristeza criolla
- Flor marchita
He collaborated with lyricist Héctor Pedro Blomberg and guitarist Enrique Maciel, a partnership that yielded many beloved recordings.
Film and Theatre
Corsini also appeared in a number of Argentine films:
- Santos Vega (1916)
- ¡Federación o muerte! (1917)
- Milonguita (1922)
- Rapsodia gaucha (1932)
Personal Life and Death
Corsini married Victoria Pacheco in 1911. After her death in 1949, he retired from the stage. He briefly returned to public attention in 1961 with an appearance on the television program Volver a vivir. He passed away in Buenos Aires on July 26, 1967.
Legacy
Ignacio Corsini is remembered as a refined interpreter of tango and a guardian of criollo traditions. His recordings continue to be studied and celebrated for their clarity, emotion, and historical value.
Selected Discography
Corsini recorded over 600 tracks between 1912 and 1946, primarily for RCA Victor. Highlights include:
- Caminito
- La mazorquera de Monserrat
- La pulpera de Santa Lucía
- Un lamento
- Patotero sentimental
Further Reading and External Links
References
Orchestras
No known group memberships.
Recordings
No recordings found.
Opus
| Title | Genre | Alt. title | Comp. Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquel cantor de mi pueblo | Tango | ||
| Flor marchita | Tango | ||
| Noche silenciosa | Vals campero | ||
| Pobre gaucho | Vals | ||
| Tristeza criolla | Vals |