Rodolfo Biagi

Birth Name: Rodolfo Biagi
Artistry: pianist, director, composer
Lived: 1906 - 1969
Alias: Manos Brujos (Magic Hands)

• Biagi is known for his energetic and easily recognizable rhythmic style - which gave him his alias 'Magic Hands' - and set the standard of excellence for musicians and dancers
• He was born in Buenos Aires
• When he finished grammar school, he played the violin and piano - but found his skills lay in the piano
• In 1919, he started his musical career at the age of 13 by playing background music for silent movies (without his parents knowing!) - where he was discovered by a tango band leader Juan Maglio at the age of 15
• In 1930 José Razzano asked him to accompany Carlos Gardel on some recordings - Gardel invited him to join a tour of Spain but Biagi declined
• In 1935 he joined Juan D'arienzo's orchestra, in which he stayed for 3 years - he made 71 recordings with that orchestra
• When he left that orchestra, Baigi formed his own
• From 1938, for nearly 30 years, Biagi played tango, vals and milonga throughout Latin America
• Biagi's orchestra was extremely popular with the dancers of his day
• Biagi's orchestra was the first to appear on Argentinean television, in the early 50s
• Biagi died in September 1969