Eduardo Vicente Bianco and his Orchestra
Eduardo Vicente Bianco, born on June 28, 1892, in Rosario, Argentina, was a prominent violinist, composer, and orchestra leader, renowned for his contributions to the tango genre. He was the younger brother of Francisco Bianco, a payador. Bianco's career began with formal violin training in his hometown, followed by a move to Buenos Aires, where he initially struggled to find success in orchestras. Seeking new opportunities, he relocated to Paris in 1923, where he became a pioneer of tango in Europe.
In Paris, Bianco briefly joined Manuel Pizarro's orchestra before forming the Orquesta Típica Bianco-Bachicha in 1924 with Juan Bautista Deambroggio, known as "Bachicha." Together, they opened the Cabaret Palermo, a notable tango venue. The orchestra's debut took place at the Washington Palace in 1925, featuring musicians such as Horacio Pettorossi and Mario Melfi. The ensemble gained popularity for its European-flavored tangos, which resonated with audiences across the continent.
Bianco's orchestra toured extensively, performing in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States, solidifying his reputation as one of the most famous Argentinian tango directors. His compositions, including "Plegaria," "Destino," and "Poema," contributed significantly to the tango repertoire.
In 1929, Bianco visited Greece, where he developed a special relationship with the country, living and working there throughout the 1930s. His orchestra's repertoire expanded to include Latin American music and adaptations of Greek tangos. Bianco collaborated with notable Greek artists and composed 22 songs for the operetta "Argentinos," which achieved record revenues.
After World War II, Bianco returned to Greece before eventually moving back to Buenos Aires in 1950. He continued to perform until his death on October 26, 1959. Bianco's legacy endures through his contributions to tango music and his influence on its global spread.