Con flauta y guitarra by Erma Suárez

Con flauta y guitarra is a Tango written by Erma Suárez and composed by Erma Suárez.

Story behind the Tango Con flauta y guitarra

The Tango “Con flauta y guitarra” paints a vivid picture of a traditional Argentine setting, focusing specially on an old house adorned for a dance. The lyrics evoke nostalgia and emotional richness through the communal joy of milonga, a style of dance and music. The scene of an old-fashioned dance hall where couples find romance under a vine-covered roof, accompanied by the sounds of a guitar and flute, sets a deeply sentimental tone. The lyrics tell a tale of simpler times, intertwining love, music, and communal spirit, highlighted by the gentle conflict of a stolen kiss and the playful resolution in dance.

Symbolism of Con flauta y guitarra

The lyrical content of “Con flauta y guitarra” is replete with symbolism that reflects Argentine culture and sentimentality towards the past. The “techo’ e parra” or “vine-covered roof” symbolizes a protective canopy under which people gather, share, and celebrate, indicating a space of comfort and community. The mention of the guitar and flute are emblematic of Argentine folk music traditions, which act as a historical narrative tool throughout the piece. The transformation of an initial annoyance into an embrace through dance subtly symbolizes the Argentine way of resolving conflict and enhancing relationships through art. The repeated refrain of “Con flauta y guitarra y un cielo de parra que me hizo soñar” emphasizes the transformative power of music and communal gatherings in shaping and preserving cultural memories.

Con flauta y guitarra in historic Context

Recorded in 1973, during a time when Argentina was experiencing significant political and social changes, “Con flauta y guitarra” serves as a lyrical escape to a nostalgic and more serene Argentina, reflected through the intimate milieu of a local milonga. As the country was navigating through these turbulent times, the song offered a nostalgic look back to the 1920s in Avellaneda, a bustling industrial area known for its vibrancy and cultural scenes. The character Juan Cepeda, mentioned in the lyrics, likely represents the everyman of the milonga, a common figure who revels in the dance and music of the era, symbolizing resistance and resilience through cultural expression.

Erma Suárez

Erma Suárez is renowned for his contributions to Argentine Tango, both as a lyricist and a composer, immersing listeners in the rich tapestry of Argentine culture through his evocative compositions.