Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
A media luz is a Tango written by Carlos Lenzi and composed by Edgardo Donato.
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.
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.
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 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.