Chamamé, as a musical genre, is a profound expression of the culture of the Argentine coast. Among the figures who have left an indelible mark on this genre, two names stand out that are inextricably linked: Tarragó Ros and his son, Antonio Tarragó Ros. This blog explores the lives of both musicians and how Antonio has continued and expanded his father's legacy.
Tarragó Ros: The King of Chamamé
Santiago Rufino Ros, conocido artísticamente como Tarragó Ros, was born on June 19, 1923 in Curuzú Cuatiá, Corrientes. From a young age, he was immersed in music, since his father was also a musician. Although he began learning the bandoneon, he soon opted for the accordion, an instrument that would define his career.
A lo largo de los años 40, Tarragó Ros se fue consolidando como una figura central del chamamé. Con su virtuosismo en el acordeón y su capacidad para componer piezas que resonaban tanto en los corazones de los correntinos como en los de todo el país, se ganó el apodo de «Rey del Chamamé». Entre sus composiciones más destacadas se encuentran temas como «El Toro», «Merceditas», y «La gaucha».
Tarragó Ros was not only an exceptional performer, but he also innovated within the genre, introducing more complex and accessible arrangements. His music was a perfect combination of technique, emotion and respect for the traditional roots of chamamé, which made it popular both in local stages and in other corners of Argentina.
He died on April 15, 1978, but left a musical legacy that has endured over time, influencing generations of musicians and followers of chamamé.
Antonio Tarragó Ros: The Son who Inherited Chamamé
Born on June 18, 1947, Antonio Tarragó Ros grew up surrounded by music. Since he was a child, he was deeply influenced by his father and the musical environment in which he developed. Although carrying the surname Tarragó Ros could have been a burden, Antonio assumed it as a responsibility and an honor.
Antonio began his musical career in the 1960s, but it was in the 70s when he began to gain notoriety. Unlike his father, Antonio incorporated a greater diversity of influences into his music, exploring elements of other genres and modernizing chamamé without losing its essence. This led him to be a bridge between chamamé traditions and new generations, ensuring that the genre continued to be relevant in a constantly changing musical world.
Antonio Tarragó Ros has not only been an outstanding musician, but also a great promoter of coastal culture. He has participated in countless chamamé festivals, has recorded an extensive discography and has brought the music of the coast to international audiences.
Continuity and Evolution: The Legacy of the Tarragó Ros
La relación entre Santiago y Antonio Tarragó Ros no es solo la de un padre y un hijo que comparten el amor por la música; es la de dos artistas que han sabido construir y expandir un legado cultural. Tarragó Ros estableció las bases del chamamé moderno, y Antonio, con su talento y visión, ha mantenido viva esa tradición mientras la adapta a nuevos tiempos y contextos.
Antonio ha sido muy consciente del legado de su padre, y aunque ha tomado su propio camino en la música, siempre ha reconocido la influencia y la inspiración de él en su trabajo. Esto se refleja no solo en su estilo musical, sino también en su compromiso por difundir y preservar el chamamé.
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
La historia de los Tarragó Ros es un claro ejemplo de cómo el amor por la música y la cultura puede transmitirse de generación en generación. Santiago dejó una huella imborrable en el chamamé, y Antonio ha logrado mantener vivo ese legado, llevándolo incluso más allá de lo que su padre pudo haber imaginado.
Today, both are remembered and celebrated not only as great musicians, but as fundamental pillars of chamamé. The music of the Tarragó Ros continues to be played in festivals, radio stations and homes, demonstrating that the legacy of this family is, and will continue to be, an essential element of Argentine cultural identity.
La dinastía Tarragó Ros ha sido y sigue siendo un pilar del chamamé. El padre, estableció las bases con su estilo inconfundible y su profundo amor por la música del litoral. Antonio, el hijo, ha continuado con ese legado, manteniendo vivo el chamamé y adaptándolo a las nuevas generaciones. Juntos, han asegurado que el chamamé no solo sobreviva, sino que florezca, siendo una parte vital de la cultura argentina.
