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.
Bien criolla y bien porteña is a Tango written by Homero Expósito and composed by Armando Pontier.
The lyrics of “Bien criolla y bien porteña” tell a story of love’s simplicity and authenticity, expressed through local, recognizable imagery. The song captures the essence of a romantic feeling set against the backdrop of Buenos Aires, an urban and cultural melting pot. It doesn’t require vast experiences or grand gestures but asks for a partnership grounded in honor and straightforwardness, symbolized through daily Argentine traditions like sharing maté or listening to guitar tunes.
The title “Bien criolla y bien porteña,” roughly translating to “Truly Creole and Truly from Buenos Aires,” resonates with deep cultural pride. Each aspect—the longing and personal intimacy of a tango and the freshness of mint, evokes a sensory experience that transcends mere words. “Ella es como el mate amargo,” illustrates love’s complexity—bitter yet integral, similar to the traditional bitter maté drink cherished in Argentina. The song celebrates the soul of Buenos Aires, embedding local customs and emotional landscapes into a melodical form, the milonga.
Authored in 1945, “Bien criolla y bien porteña” arrives at a time when Argentina was undergoing significant transitions, both socially and politically. Post-World War II, Argentina was marked by a renewed sense of national identity and cultural introspection. In this context, Expósito’s milonga acts as a homage to the porteño spirit—rooted, resilient, and reflective of the local urban ethos. The reference to being “bien criolla y bien porteña” not only underscores a deep-seated local pride but also a reclamation of the Argentine identity in an ever-globalizing world.
Homero Expósito, a notable figure in the Argentine tango scene, was renowned for his poignant lyrics that often delve deeply into themes of love and existential reflection.