Francisco Canaro elevated the tango to unprecedented refinement through his work as both violinist and composer. One of the earliest ensemble leaders to bring tango ensembles into prestigious theater venues, he persistently elevated the style by orchestrating numerous established tango compositions for full orchestra. His achievements stood in stark contrast to his early circumstances. He entered the world in the modest Uruguayan settlement of San Jose de Mayo, where his family's extreme poverty prevented any formal schooling. After relocating to Buenos Aires during childhood, the household remained mired in hardship. Already employed at age ten, he hawked newspapers along Buenos Aires thoroughfares and later took up house painting. A neighbor's introduction of several guitar chords marked his initial path outward. Motivated by that encounter, he constructed his own violin from an oilcan and wooden fingerboard, then taught himself the instrument until achieving full command. His first public appearance occurred with a trio in Ranchos, a settlement beyond the Argentine capital. He soon formed a partnership with bandoneonist Vicente Greco. In 1908 the pair embarked on a tour while Canaro committed himself fully to tango.
The year 1912 brought further advancement when he wrote his debut composition, "Pinta Brava," and led an orchestra for the first time. He introduced additional tango innovations, becoming the initial bandleader to incorporate a singer performing the estribillo and a contrabass vocalist supplying harmony. In 1921 he assembled a 32-piece orchestra for a performance at Buenos Aires' Teatro Opera. Four years afterward he journeyed to Paris alongside vocalists Agustin Irusta and Robert Fugazot plus pianist Lucio Demare in a trio format. He maintained that ensemble for European touring throughout the following decade. Upon returning to the United States he sustained continuous travel, cultivating audiences across North America. Frequent radio broadcasts solidified the ensemble's reputation as a premier tango act. His most persistent frustration lay in unsuccessful attempts at film production. Between 1934 and 1950 his Rio de la Plata Productions completed eleven motion pictures, yet none achieved commercial success. Throughout his career Canaro advocated tirelessly for composers' rights. In 1935 the SACEM (Argentine Society of Authors and Composers) was founded on his property. His memoirs appeared in 1956 under the title Mis 50 Anos con el Tango (My 50 Years With the Tango). Paget's disease claimed his life on November 14, 1964.
