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Epilogue
by Claude R. Esposito
To evaluate his contribution to the birth and popularization of tango, he stands among the very first, the so called “Guardia Vieja”, and played with the most famous musicians of his era, like Arolas, Bardi, Cobián, Firpo and Gorrese and many others equally talented.
Genaro Espósito was in his time one of the most remarkable exponents of his instrument and in several aspects ahead of his era. He was also either the first or the second instrumentalist to record solo on the bandoneon, the other being Juan “Pacho” Maglio. His sound was not as sharp as Vicente Greco but the purity of it was close to Maglio and Bernstein. He was the first to use the bass line harmonically as well as rhythmically and his dexterity with the left hand was proverbial.
Not really inclined to teach, he nevertheless counted among his students the famous Ricardo Brignolo, Anselmo Aieta and María Bianchi “El Yepi”. For good measure, there is no doubt that he was instrumental in propelling Argentine tango to the height of its popularity in Europe.
In conclusion, this was just a glimpse of one of a long line of musicians and their marvelous craft, like lifting a veil and shining a light however briefly on an almost forgotten world. (13)
Photo of Genaro Esposito at the Museum of the SADAIC
(Society of Authors and Composers of Argentina) in Buenos Aires
(Society of Authors and Composers of Argentina) in Buenos Aires
