Carlos Manso, music and dance researcher, dies at 97

Carlos Manso, a distinguished scholar of music and dance history, passed away at the age of 97 in Coronel Suárez, Buenos Aires province. Known for his insightful biographies of figures like dancer María Ruanova, soprano Conchita Badía, and Antonia Mercé (“La Argentina”), Manso was also a pianist and painter.

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the coldest and windiest lands of Buenos Aires province

Manso's life was dedicated to the arts and the dissemination of knowledge. He authored biographies of prominent artists connected to the Teatro Colón and shared his wisdom generously with students, artists, and friends. Born in La Colina, he often described his final residence in Coronel Suárez as "the coldest and windiest lands of Buenos Aires province," where he spent his last two and a half years.

In 2022, the Argentine Dance Council (CAD) honored Manso with the María Ruanova award. On that occasion, he was recognized not only as a researcher with a prodigious memory but also as a "Renaissance man", a pianist, painter, and writer. He had previously shifted his focus from piano recitals to painting in 1972, titling a diary entry "Change keys for brushes."

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Change keys for brushes

Manso's influence extended globally as he taught and promoted Argentine music in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, the Philippines, the United States, and India. He also performed as an accompanying pianist across Argentina, reaching diverse audiences in schools, prisons, cultural institutions, and nursing homes. He directed the Professional Institute of Lyric Art (IPAL) in 1970 and maintained a piano in his Recoleta apartment until he moved from the capital.

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I loved living in Bahia, facing the sea and its gentle breeze. What a delight that was!