3287  Roberto Pansera 1932-2005

Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2005 13:24:15 -0500
From: Keith Elshaw <keith@TOTANGO.NET>
Subject: Roberto Pansera 1932-2005

In the pantheon of great tango musicians, there are truly great ones who
might not become familiar names - but not because they weren't deserving.

I should like to mention one who sadly passed away yesterday.

In December, 1989, I heard and saw the bandoneon for the first time. A Copes
live show played in my city for 5 months. Great dancers, great musicians,
creative staging with energy and flair, a wonderful orchestra.

The leader was Roberto Pansera.

Do you remember the awe and excitement you felt the first time you listened
to a bandoneon played with finesse up close? This man was a great musician.
To watch and listen to him in the 53 nights I attended, sitting right up
front at the show as he led the orchestra (including 3 other bandoneons),
acted a part, provided thrilling music for exceptional dancers - was an
introduction to tango to make a mortal feel smiled upon by the gods.

He was a quiet man who liked to gas-up before and after every show at the
little bar down the street. Always. He could play with the best of them
after imbibing too much - never missing a note. He and Pepito always drank
everyone under the table, for sure. Such memories watching them live and
work. The master musician and the master dancer; both short and pudgey and
able to do things to make your jaw drop. Anytime. All the time. 8 two hour
shows a week.

Roberto was born in Mar del Plata. His first work engagement was in the
orchestra of Carlos Cobian in 1944. He then played with Francini-Pontier
before joining Fresedo in 1950 as a player but also as an arranger. In 1955,
he replaced Leopoldo Federico in Piazzolla's Octeto Buenos Aires. In ensuing
years, he would play again for Fresedo. He was musical director on two tango
albums for Placido Domingo. He worked for Copes. He composed, arranged and
recorded. He also played guitar and piano and made recording overdubbing
himself for singers to use as playback.

Now, he'll delight the angels.