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Orchestra
Francisco Rotundo
Also known as: Orquesta Francisco Rotundo
About
Francisco Rotundo y su orquesta típica was an Argentine tango orchestra established in 1944–1945, when pianist and composer Francisco Rotundo won an orchestra competition at Palermo Palace and debuted at San José de Flores club during Carnival 1945. Based in Buenos Aires, the orchestra achieved rapid commercial success, performing at premier venues including the legendary Café El Nacional (Cathedral of Tango) from 1947 onward. Rotundo adopted an innovative strategy of showcasing vocalists, recruiting prominent singers including Floreal Ruiz (1949–1955), Enrique Campos (1952–1957), Julio Sosa (1953–1955), Carlos Roldán (1948–1950), and Alfredo Del Río (1956–1957). Under Enrique Rossi’s musical arrangements, the orchestra recorded approximately 25 tracks for Odeón Records, producing hits including “Un infierno” and “Esclavas blancas.” Operating at peak capacity from three shows monthly to over twenty per month, the orchestra disbanded in 1957 as Rotundo returned to family business. He later founded La Casa de Rotundo (1960s), a tango venue in Buenos Aires. The orchestra’s compact, disciplined accompaniment and careful selection of elite singers established its brief but significant legacy in the classic era of tango.
Sources note: Sources vary on exact dates of Alfredo Del Río’s joining the orchestra (stated as between late 1956 and mid-1957). Wikipedia (EN) and Wikipedia (ES) both acknowledge this date range variance.
Members
- Francisco RotundoLeader / founder
Recordings (22)
- Francisco Rotundo – Aquel tapado de armiño – 1950
- Francisco Rotundo – Esclavas blancas – 1950
- Francisco Rotundo – Infamia – 1950
- Francisco Rotundo – Melenita de oro – 1950
- Francisco Rotundo – Un infierno – 1950
- Francisco Rotundo – El viejo vals – 1951
- Francisco Rotundo – Libertad – 1952
- Francisco Rotundo – Llorando la carta – 1952
- Francisco Rotundo – Por seguidora y por fiel – 1952
- Francisco Rotundo – Bien bohemio – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Dios te salve, m’hijo – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Farolito viejo – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Justo el 31 – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Levanta la frente – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Mala suerte – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Mi noche triste – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Secretos – 1953
- Francisco Rotundo – Poema para mi madre – 1955
- Francisco Rotundo – Sus ojos se cerraron – 1955
- Francisco Rotundo – Disfrazados – 1956
- Francisco Rotundo – Qué tarde que has venido – 1956
- Francisco Rotundo – Todavía estás a tiempo – 1956
