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.
Agua florida is a Tango written by Fernán Silva Valdés and composed by Ramón Collazo.
The lyrics of “Agua florida” evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for the old days of tango in Argentina, reflecting on the traditions and the lifestyle of the time. The song reminisces about the simple yet passionate lives of the people known as ‘chinas’—a term affectionately used for women in this context—who were fragrant with “Agua florida” and lived life with heartfelt sincerity. It paints a vivid picture of local dances, musical accompaniment, and the vibrant community life centered around tango culture.
“Agua florida,” which translates to “Florida Water” in English, symbolizes more than just a fragrance in this tango; it represents an era marked by authenticity and raw emotion. It was a popular perfume used by women of the working class, imbued with a sense of belonging and identity. This perfume, coupled with visuals of smooth hairstyles and lively dances under the moonlight, evokes a powerful sensory memory that captures the essence of a bygone but cherished era.
The repeated reference to “Agua florida” symbolizes nostalgia and the fragrance of memories that linger like a perfume, suggesting a longing for the simplicity and truthfulness of past times. The personification of the era as “linda y guapetona” (beautiful and bravely attractive) adds a layer of romanticism to the ordinary lives of the people celebrated in the song.
Recorded on November 13, 1941, “Agua florida” emerges during a period rich in Argentine tango history, where tango music and dance were ingrained deeply into the country’s cultural fabric. This era saw the tail end of the Golden Age of tango, a time when this music form was at its peak in terms of both popularity and artistic development. The societal context, still recovering from economic struggles and approaching the tumult of mid-20th century politics, used tango as an outlet for expression and as a form of social cohesion.
Fernán Silva Valdés was a prominent Uruguayan poet known for his deep engagement with regional themes and rural life, often incorporating elements from the gaucho (South American cowboy) culture in his works.