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Alhucema

Alhucema is a Tango written by Francisco Pracánico and recorded by Lucio Demare in 1944. The Tango Alhucema is written by Francisco Pracánico, Lucio Demare has recorded Alhucema with the singer Horacio Quintana.
“Alhucema,” which translates to “Lavender” in English, whispers like a dance of fragrance and nostalgia. This name evokes visions of vibrant fields under a warm sun, where every note of the music releases a soft, calming aroma. In its melodies and rhythms, “Alhucema” spins tales of delicate beauty and timeless grace, inviting the listener to immerse in its serene embrace.

Tango

Style

Lucio Demare

Orchestra

Horacio Quintana

Singer

Horacio Sanguinetti

Author

Francisco Pracánico

Composer

1944/9/25

Date

Horacio Quintana
Horacio Quintana
Lucio Demare
Lucio Demare

Discover Other Orchestras

Ricardo Malerba – Corazón de artista – 1943/1/18
Ricardo Malerba – A bailar – 1943/11/8
Ricardo Malerba – Sollozos – 1944/3/16
Ricardo Malerba – Cuando florezcan las rosas – 1943/6/10
Ricardo Malerba – San Martin campeón – 1957/1/7
José Basso – Milonga con variación (Milonga con variaciones) – 1966/1/1
José Basso – Triunfal – 1953/6/12
José Basso – El último guapo – 1958/10/7
José Basso – Después del carnaval – 1986/1/1
José Basso – Un tango y nada mas – 1986/1/1
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El esquinazo – 1939/3/3
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Un lamento – 1942/1/2
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Ojos negros – 1942/8/5
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El entrerriano – 1940/8/29
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El tapial – 1941/1/8
Osvaldo Pugliese – Testamento de arrabal – 1949/12/7
Osvaldo Pugliese – Corchito – 1972/12/27
Osvaldo Pugliese – Caminito soleado – 1953/5/28
Osvaldo Pugliese – El pescante – 1962/6/1
Osvaldo Pugliese – Ventanita de arrabal – 1950/3/7

Recommended

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.

Alhucema recorded by other Orchestras

Alhucema recorded by other Orchestras

1944/9/25 – Dos corazones – Lucio Demare
1944/9/27 – Con permiso – Anibal Troilo
1944/9/27 – Quejas de bandoneon – Anibal Troilo
1944/9/21 – La madrugada – Juan D-Arienzo
1944/9/21 – El romantico – Juan D-Arienzo
Alhucema – 1944/8/31 – Anibal Troilo – Alberto Marino
Alhucema – 1944/9/25 – Lucio Demare – Horacio Quintana

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Alhucema

This is the translation of the Tango “Alhucema” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Alhucema” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Alhucema

Negra macumba que zumba el tambor.
¡Ha muerto un moreno y ha muerto un amor!
Triste retumba, retumba el tambor:
¡Ha muerto un hermano de nuestro color!
Y cruzan la noche los negros y el coche
que encierra un reproche de sangre y pasión.
Y canta un cortejo de labios bermejos
poniendo reflejos de antorcha en la voz.

Alhucema,
se llamaba la morena,
que a la muerte lo arrastró.
Negra loca,
fue la sangre de su boca
que a los negros embriagó…
Doble pena,
uno vive en sus cadenas
y otro ha muerto por su amor.

Negra macumba que oscura canción,
tu sombra derrumba la sombra de Dios.
Lumbra, relumbran los negros que van
rezando, llorando al son del cantar.
Se aleja el entierro con cantos de negros
y llanto de perros que intuyen dolor,
la hoguera del canto se ha ido apagando
con llanto llorando.
Y el fúnebre carro se hunde en un barro
de sombras, rodando.

English lyrics of the Tango "Alhucema"

Black macumba that buzzes the drum.
A dark-skinned man has died, and so has a love!
Sadly it echoes, the drum echoes:
A brother of our color has died!
And through the night the black men and the carriage pass,
bearing a complaint of blood and passion.
And a procession sings with vermilion lips,
casting torchlight reflections in their voice.

Alhucema,
was the name of the dark woman,
who dragged him to death.
Crazy black woman,
it was the blood from her lips
that intoxicated the black men…
Double sorrow,
one lives in his chains
and another has died for his love.

Black macumba, what a dark song,
your shadow overthrows the shadow of God.
Glow, the black men shine as they move
praying, crying to the rhythm of the song.
The funeral procession moves away with songs of black men
and the crying of dogs sensing pain,
the bonfire of song has been fading
with crying tears.
And the funeral car sinks into a mud
of shadows, rolling on.

Alhucema by Horacio Sanguinetti

Alhucema is a Tango written by Horacio Sanguinetti and composed by Francisco Pracánico.

Story behind the Tango Alhucema

“Alhucema” narrates a mournful story of love, death, and ritual, delivered against the backdrop of an Afro-Argentinian funeral. The lyrics tell of a man named Moreno whose death interweaves with the torments of forbidden, passionate love encapsulated by the figure Alhucema, a woman deeply involved in the events leading to Moreno’s demise. Central to the scene is the ‘macumba,’ a ceremony infused with African spiritual practices, reflecting the community’s sorrow as they process through the night.

Symbolism of Alhucema

The symbolic layer of “Alhucema” richly portrays themes of passion, betrayal, and racial identity. ‘Alhucema,’ translating to lavender in English, contrasts with the dark, intense emotions permeating the lyrics. Lavender typically symbolizes beauty and calm, but here, it’s ironically rendered, pointing to the tragic dimensions of forbidden love. Another potent symbol is the ‘macumba’—oft associated with African spiritual rituals, signifying both cultural identity and a deep yearning. Statements like “the shadow overcomes the shadow of God” suggest a struggle with higher powers and fate, where personal and communal destinies are tragically intertwined.

Alhucema in historic context

Recorded in 1944 Argentina, a period rich with social changes and a burgeoning recognition of its diverse cultural tapestry, “Alhucema” engages with themes of racial identity and community solidarity, especially significant in how tango music—traditionally seen as a Europeanized form—embraces Afro-Argentinian elements. This integration not only reflects a broader societal acknowledgment but also emphasizes the deeply rooted African influences in Argentine culture and its music, thereby challenging contemporary cultural narratives and fostering a more inclusive national identity.

Horacio Sanguinetti

Horacio Sanguinetti was a prolific Argentine lyricist known for his profound narratives woven into the fabric of tango music. His works often reflect a deep engagement with cultural and social themes.