e was not a composer in the real sense of the word despite it is true that he created beautiful pieces. His activities were in the field of teaching and very good musicians graduated in his conservatory on 1412 Córdoba Avenue (Buenos Aires city).

Of Spanish origin, he wrote music of his land but, with roots in the criollo essence («Criollo material is good», said he) he composed quite beautiful numbers in a country-like style that regretfully had remained forgotten.

In his oeuvre are standouts the compositions entitled “¡Solitaria Pampa!”, “Jota Argentina”, “Canta, canta urutaú” and “El cimarrón del estribo”. The latter was recorded by Carlos Gardel, but we were unable to find out the reason of this recording. Maybe our unsurpassable singer, looking for a singing teacher, because he always wanted to polish himself, visited his study and got acquainted with this beautiful song.

Retana was born in Álava (Spain) on August 19, 1861 and died in Buenos Aires on June 30, 1947.