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.
Cascabelito is a Tango written by Juan Andrés Caruso and composed by José Bohr.
The tango “Cascabelito” encapsulates a vivid tale of a fleeting encounter during a carnival, setting a scene brimming with joy, mystery, and ephemeral romance. The lyrics express a nostalgic yearning to revisit a past celebration, inviting a mysterious masked woman, termed “mascarita,” who left a profound impression during the frenzy of the festivities. The figure of “Cascabelito,” which translates to “little bell” in English, symbolizes the vibrant, melodious presence of this woman, characterized by her liveliness and the distinct sound of her laugh, likened to the ringing of a bell.
The central symbols in “Cascabelito” include the cascabel (bell) and the mascarita (mask). The bell represents not only the persona’s appealing and resonant laughter but also signifies the ephemeral nature of the carnival—moments that are beautiful yet transient, echoing briefly and then fading away. The masked woman or ‘mascarita’ symbolizes the mystery and allure of carnival attendees who don masks to conceal their identities, thus becoming anyone they wish for the night, and leaving a haunting trace in the memory of those they encounter. The repeated call to “rie, no tengas cuidado” (laugh, don’t worry) underscores the theme of preserving joy and carefreeness amidst the inevitable passage of time and separation.
“Cascabelito” was composed in 1955, a period marked by significant social and cultural developments in Argentina, post the influential rule of Juan Perón. This era was characterized by a heightened engagement with traditional expressions of culture such as tango, which served as a medium for the populace to process their complex emotions and circumstances. The nostalgic and celebratory tones of the tango likely resonate with the collective sentiment of re-imagining and longing for the past moments of joy and vivacity, typical in a time of national uncertainty and transition.
Juan Andrés Caruso was a prolific Argentine lyricist known for his deep engagement with the tango genre.