Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
Chapaleando barro is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Arturo Castillo.
“Chapaleando barro” translates to “slogging through mud,” metaphorically depicting the struggles and hardships of life in the lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, particularly around Pompeya. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a community marked by poverty (“donde puso la miseria un brochazo de dolor”), where children play in the mud and the scenery is dominated by rundown, low houses. The central theme revolves around the rough, yet spirited life in these barrios, emphasizing resilience amid adversity.
The lyrics use strong imagery and symbols to convey deep emotions and contextual realities. “Barrio de casas bajas” symbolizes the humble socio-economic status of the neighborhood’s inhabitants. Playing “al rango en el barro” not only illustrates children adapting to their impoverished conditions by finding joy in simple, muddy games but also symbolizes the muddiness and challenges of life that the residents face daily. The “carro peludeando, se quedó” conjures an image of stagnation and neglect, depicting the forgotten corners of the city where life seems to have paused, further emphasized by the enduring presence of hardship and struggle.
The Tango “Chapaleando barro” was created during a turbulent period in Argentine history, in the late 1930s, a time marked by political and social upheaval. The specific reference to Pompeya, a notable neighborhood in Buenos Aires known for its working-class roots, situates the song within a specific urban and cultural landscape that faced significant challenges during this era. The song reflects the spirit and identity of the barrio, capturing not just a moment in time but a persistent sense of community despite ongoing societal struggles. The tangos of this period often served both as an escape and a mirror to the societal conditions, making this piece a poignant reminder of the era’s complexity.
Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, known for his poignant and vivid portrayals of urban life and culture in Buenos Aires.