Tango y Cultura Popular ® English Edition TyCP Special | Page 23

The tin violin
This was probably similar to that violin Francisco CANARO made
for himself when he was only twelve years old. He lived in a
tenement house with his parents (Italian immigrants) and his
nine siblings. They had arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay,
without any money. BUT FRANCISCO WANTED TO PLAY THE
VIOLIN... Then, how to get one if there was scarcely to eat?
A friend of his; who used to polish furniture for a living,
nicknamed “El Tuerto Baboso” (“One-eyed Drooler”); gave him
the answer. They took an empty oil can, added a diapason and
tuning pegs made up of wood left-outs to it, also a handmade
bow...and there it was.
That is how this Uruguayan boy started his musical career, which
led him to be the most prolific Orchestra Director (it is estimated
that he registered 3700 recordings) and the richest one, the
popular saying was: “he is wealthier than Canaro”.
Boldness and creativity example. Having money in your pocket
isn’t always necessary to accomplish your dreams. A poor kid,
with a poor violin, made it to the top. It’s just a question of talent
and effort.
Ángel Mario Herreros