Carlos Gardel (1890-1935) stands as the most renowned representative of the tango and milongas during the first half of the 20th century. Gardel became a legend when he died tragically in a plane crash at the age of 45. "Cuando tu no estas" is based on the poetry of Alfredo La Pera. Liliana Cangiano (1950-1997), one of the most talented arrangers of popular songs in Argentina, arranged the piece for mixed choir in 1990.