Notes: Enrique Francini

Era

Except for Era 3 (1955-1959), Francini was co-piloting the Orquesta with Armando Pontier, who served as the lead bandoñeon and major arranger. The formation was always 4 bandoñeons + 4 violins + 1 cello.

1. 1946-49. Enrique Francini first violin, Armando Pontier first bando, Juan José Paz piano, cello Adriano Fanelli. There was some small changes in players in 47-48, but quite consistent.

2. 1949-55. Enrique Francini first violin, Armando Pontier first bando, Juan José Paz piano (until 1955), cello Adriano Fanelli. Aside from the lead players, the other musicians were almost brand-new.

   2b: Angel Scichetti replaced José Paz at the end of 1954.

3. 1955-59. Enrique Francini first violin, Julio Ahumada first bando, Juan José Paz piano/arranger; Expanded to 5 bando + 5 violin, cello was the great José Bragato.

4. 1972-73. Enrique Francini first violin, Armando Pontier first bandoneón, piano Omar Valente, cello Enrique Lannoo. The orquesta was a 4+4 formation, with extra violin players reinforced in the recording studios.

   4a: 2 more violinists added as reinforcement.

   4b: 4 more violinists added as reinforcement.

Date/Genre/Singer

• Film and Radio takes, and non-OT recordings such as 1953 Nostalgias with Héctor Stamponi are not included.

• Mate Amargo (Ranchera, 1948-05-10) not included.

• The recording sessions in 1972 were in early November. Exact dates unknown.

• The 1973 recordings were recorded in Tokyo on May 1 & 2, according to the liner notes of the LP.

Masters/Pitch/Speed

• Scarce evidence available, yet some hints suggest Víctor studio began to upgrade in Feb. 1949.

• Tape masters might have been applied in the end-1953 sessions, yet not evidenced.

• The 1972/3 reunion sessions with Armando Pontier were recorded in the extravagant “Quadraphonic (4-channel stereo).”

• The piano pitch transition from 440hz to 442hz in Víctor studio was probably in Aug 1953.