Juan de Dios Filiberto

The Man behind the Music: Fascinating works by Juan de Dios Filiberto

Juan de Dios Filiberto, born on 8th March 1885, was more than just an Argentine musician. He was a renowned violinist, conductor, poet, and composer who changed the face of the Argentine tango genre. His fascinating works resonated with the spirit of the time and continue to be widely celebrated for their originality and emotive depth.

Filiberto's artistic journey led him through various paths, each reflecting a different facet of his eclectic persona. Beyond his skills with the violin, he was also a proficient conductor, leading his orchestra in a symphony of sound that struck a chord with listeners worldwide. His compositions, infused with the charm and rhythm of Argentine Tango, echoed the passions and struggles of the Argentine people.

In addition, Filiberto was a talented poet, weaving tales of love, sorrow, and hope in his verses. His words mirrored the everyday pains and joys of the ordinary people, capturing the essence of the Argentine spirit in its rawest, most existential form.

Throughout his life, until his death on 11th November 1964, Filiberto devoted his time and talent to writing, creating, and orchestrating. As a result, he produced a wealth of fascinating works that serve as brilliant contributions to the world of music and literature.

Notable Compositions

Filiberto's oeuvre includes several iconic tangos that have become staples in the Argentine musical canon. His most famous works include "Caminito", a tango dedicated to a small street in Buenos Aires’ La Boca neighborhood—an area culturally significant to the tango tradition. The piece embodies both the melancholy and the spirit of the city and is emblematic of Filiberto’s style. His first composition, "Guaymallén", was written in 1915 and named after the city of Guaymallén in homage to friends. Although it is a tango, Filiberto noted that he chose an indigenous name to highlight the nativist character of his music.

Another celebrated tango, "Quejas de bandoneón" ("The Bandoneón's Woes"), poignantly captures the instrument's expressive potential and is often seen as a tribute to the bandoneón’s central role in tango music. Filiberto also composed a series of popular tangos played by leading orchestras of his day, including “Cura segura” (“Sure Medicine”), “De mi tierra” (“From My Land”), “Suelo argentino” (“Argentine Soil”), “Se recomienda solo” (“It’s Better Alone”), “El besito” (“The Little Kiss”), “La porteñita” (“Little Girl from Buenos Aires”), and “Clavel del aire” (“A Carnation from the Wind”).

Contributions Beyond Composition

In 1932, Filiberto founded his own orchestra, “Orquesta Porteña”, which became a significant platform for his compositions and a testament to his leadership in the music industry.

Discover more about the life and works of this remarkable man and delve into the enchanted world of Juan de Dios Filiberto through our rich collection of his timeless masterpieces, right here on STAGE+.