Title of piece: “Por una cabeza”
Date of recording: 1935
Composer/Lyricist: Carlos Gardel/Alfredo Le Pera
English Translation: Tony Beckwith
Performer/Instruments: Gardel (vocalist), strings, piano, two bandoneones, and backup singers
Form: Intro ABAB
Tempo: moderate 4/4 time

What to Listen for:

  • Contrast between A and B sections
  • Speechlike A sections in a major key with rubato
  • Lyric B sections in a minor key with descending melodies
  • Marcato quadruple rhythms in the orchestra (Ex. 7.4b)
  • Similarity of the vocal style to Zitarrosa's milonga (Listening Ex. 7.2)
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