Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

A media luz

A media luz is a Tango written by Edgardo Donato and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1927. Roberto Firpo has recorded A media luz as an instrumental Tango.
“A media luz,” meaning “In half-light” in English, evokes an atmosphere where shadows dance with soft glows. It paints a portrait of intimate evenings draped in mystery, where lovers share secrets and dreams beneath dimly lit rooms. This ambiance of gentle obscurity invites the soul to explore emotions whispered softly, just out of sight yet vividly felt.

Tango

Style

Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Carlos Lenzi

Author

Edgardo Donato

Composer

1927/5/19

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Roberto Firpo
Roberto Firpo

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A media luz recorded by other Orchestras

A media luz recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango A media luz

Corrientes 3, 4, 8,

segundo piso, ascensor.

No hay porteros ni vecinos.

Adentro, cocktail y amor.

Pisito que puso Maple:

piano, estera y velador,

un telefón que contesta,

una victrola que llora

viejos tangos de mi flor

y un gato de porcelana

pa’ que no maulle al amor.



Y todo a media luz,

que es un brujo el amor,

a media luz los besos,

a media luz los dos.

Y todo a media luz

crepúsculo interior.

¡Qué suave terciopelo

la media luz de amor!



Juncal 12, 24

Telefoneá sin temor.

De tarde, té con masitas;

de noche, tango y cantar.

Los domingos, tés danzantes;

los lunes, desolación,

Hay de todo en la casita:

almohadones y divanes;

come en botica, cocó;

alfombras que no hacen ruido

y mesa puesta al amor.

English lyrics of the Tango "A media luz"

Corrientes 3, 4, 8,

second floor, elevator.

No doormen or neighbors.

Inside, cocktails and love.

A small apartment set up by Maple:

piano, rug, and nightlight,

a phone that answers,

a phonograph that weeps

old tangos of my darling

and a porcelain cat

so it doesn’t howl at love.

And everything in dim light,

for love is a sorcerer,

dim light for kisses,

dim light for both of us.

And everything in dim light,

a twilight within.

What soft velvet

the dim light of love!

Juncal 12, 24

Call without fear.

In the afternoon, tea with cookies;

at night, tango and singing.

On Sundays, tea dances;

on Mondays, desolation.

There’s everything in the little house:

cushions and divans;

like in a drugstore, cocó;

carpets that make no sound

and a table set for love.

A media luz by Carlos Lenzi

A media luz is a Tango written by Carlos Lenzi and composed by Edgardo Donato.



Story behind the Tango A media luz

The lyrics of “A media luz” invite us into an intimate setting, ideal for romance and privacy. The setting described is a small, cozy apartment on Corrientes 3, 4, 8, with no doormen or neighbors to intrude, where dim lights pave the way for cocktail and love. The narrative extends to another location, Juncal 12, 24, suggesting a whimsical change of scenery from evening’s playful intimacy to daytime social interactions, including afternoon tea and dance events on Sundays. The poetic voice alternates between these locations, crafting a portrait of a lover’s routine and spaces that cater to both the public facade and the private encounters of love.



Symbolism of A media luz

Throughout the tango, dim lighting—or “a media luz”—is a recurring element, symbolizing the secret, mysterious, and even forbidden aspects of the love affair. The soft “terciopelo” (velvet) ambiance of the half-light suggests a tactile experience that enhances the emotional depth and sensuality of the encounters. The physical settings are richly decorated, implying a sensuous haven from the outer world, with velvet cushions, noiseless carpets, and a set table that conjures images of preparation for romantic feasts.



A media luz in historic Context

Recorded in 1927, “A media luz” emerged during a golden era of tango, where the dance and its music were integral to Argentine culture. Amidst the urbanization and cultural blossoming in Buenos Aires, tango lyrics often reflected themes of love, passion, and nostalgia. Additionally, the contrast between the addresses in the lyrics points towards the cosmopolitan nature of the city – Corrientes Avenue being a bustling street known for its theatres and nightlife, and Juncal being more residential and subdued, perhaps reflective of different facets of social interaction in the Argentine capital during this era.



Carlos Lenzi

Carlos Lenzi was a prominent Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the tango genre, pairing his carefully crafted words with the music of noted composers like Edgardo Donato.