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.
Caballo de calesita is a Tango written by Carlos Marín and composed by Miguel Nijensohn.
The tango “Caballo de calesita” intertwines the life of a carousel horse with deep symbolisms of routine and nostalgia. In the lyrics, there’s a relentless acknowledgment of constant motion with no progress (“Esclavo del deber, vuelta tras vuelta”), which mirrors the lives of individuals performing mundane tasks repetitively. The carousel horse, while a source of joy and wonder to children, embodies limitations and the entrapment of daily routines. It’s a poignant reflection on life’s cycles and the bittersweet nature of memories.
The titular “Caballo de calesita” (Carousel Horse) symbolizes innocence and the joy of childhood, contrasted sharply with the blindness to reality (“con los ojos vendados”), suggesting a wilful ignorance or an inability to see one’s stagnant situation. The horse, while moving, is paradoxically stagnant, highlighting the contrast between the illusion of progress and actual stagnancy. The phrase “Juguete de placer” accentuates the theme of superficial joy that masks an underlying static existence. This layered symbolism challenges the listener to consider deeper undercurrents beneath visible appearances.
Recorded in 1936, “Caballo de calesita” was produced during a time of significant social and political changes in Argentina. The era was marked by the rise of populism and a shifting societal landscape, where the struggles of the common people were becoming increasingly prominent in cultural expressions. This context enriches the tango’s theme of cyclical and unprogressive movement, perhaps reflecting the socio-economic conditions where the lower and middle classes felt trapped in unending cycles of labor and hardship, much like the carousel horse bound to its never-ending circular path.
Carlos Marín, a poignant Venezuelan singer, lyricist, and actor, is recognized for his deep emotional portrayal of South American ballads and tangos. His work often encapsulates themes of love, nostalgia, and societal reflections.