Agustín Bardi

Agustín Bardi, nicknamed “Mascotita”, (13 August 1884 – 21 April 1941) was an Argentine Tango pianist, violinist, and composer, active during the Guardia Vieja and instrumental in shaping early tango’s evolution. He authored around 70 pieces—principally tangos, alongside a handful of waltzes and rancheras—and is celebrated for the harmonic sophistication and melodic clarity of his works.

Life

Early years Agustín Bardi was born in Las Flores, Province of Buenos Aires, and moved in childhood to the Barracas neighbourhood of Buenos Aires city. He completed primary school only up to the third grade, thereafter pursuing self‑education in music with the help of an uncle who taught him guitar.

At age eight he joined the carnival troupe Los Artesanos de Barracas, earning the affectionate nickname “Mascotita.” He later worked at a company called La Cargadora.

Agustín Bardi died on April 21, 1941, having suffered a heart attack near his home in Bernal.

Notable tangos

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