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.
Balada para un loco is a Tango written by Horacio Ferrer and composed by Astor Piazzolla.
The tango tells the story of a man perceived as mad by society, wandering through Buenos Aires. He engages with the world around him in what seems to be absurd or sanity-defying manners, reflecting a deep disconnect or disinterest in societal norms. Yet, through the poetic narrative, it becomes evident that his madness is a metaphor for the boldness to love and live freely, unfettered by conventional expectations.
“Balada para un loco” employs vibrant imagery and symbols that enhance the theme of eccentricity as freedom. The peculiar items like “medio melón en la cabeza” (half a melon on the head) or “banderita de taxi libre” (a little flag of a free taxi) symbolize non-conformity and whimsical creativity. The phrase “Ya sé que estoy piantao, piantao, piantao…” (“I already know that I am crazy, crazy, crazy…”) is repeated as a defiant embrace of his own unique perspective of the world, challenging the listener to accept eccentricity as a form of personal truth.
Written in 1970 in Argentina, “Balada para un loco” emerged during a period marked by political tension and societal changes. This year is significant as Argentina was amidst substantial social and political upheaval. Under such circumstances, the tango may be interpreted as a celebration of individualism and emotional freedom at a time when such expressions were both a defiance and a necessity.
Horacio Ferrer was an Argentine poet and tango lyricist renowned for his collaboration with composer Astor Piazzolla, together transforming traditional tango into a more contemporary and expressive art form.