Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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.
Ana Maria is a Tango written by Norberto López and composed by Carlos Marchisio.
“Ana Maria” narrates the poignant tale of a mixed-race woman named Ana Maria, who conceals her pain beneath her attire. The lyrics suggest she was born under a hopeful “silver moon” but lived in a less fortunate part of the town “by the barracks of the sun.” This contrast between the silver moon and the harsh sunlight exemplifies the dichotomy of hope and reality in her life. Ana Maria’s love story unfolds with her fiancé, a fervent drummer from Entre Ríos, representing the heartful connections formed despite societal challenges. They filled their lives with the essence of a deep romantic bond, showing resilience and devotion in the face of adversity.
The central symbol in this tango is Ana Maria herself, who stands as a figure of beauty and sorrow, a blossom shrouded in the shadows of societal prejudice. Her experiences reflect the larger community issues of racial and class discrimination. The recurring images of “silver moon,” “roses,” and the “rosebush” symbolize both beauty and hidden thorns in her life. These elements, combined with the vibrant but poignant imagery of life “under the barracks of the sun,” paint a picture of a woman caught between her external allure and internal suffering.
Recorded in 1944, this tango emerges during a time of considerable social and cultural shifts in Argentina, amidst the backdrop of World War II and its consequential impact. The reference to ‘Entre Ríos’ and ‘Cuarteles’ roots the story in specific Argentine locales, suggesting a deeper narrative tied to these areas’ socio-political climate. During this era, tango often served as a reflective medium to discuss deeper societal issues through lyrical subtleties and emotive compositions. “Ana Maria” is a piece that, while encapsulating a personal love story, also hints at the broader themes of racial divide and societal acceptance, common in the collective Argentine memory of the time.
Norberto López was a notable Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the tango genre, depicting powerful narratives and emotions through his compositions.