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.
Contigo pan y cebolla is a Tango written by Alfredo Bigeschi and composed by Enrique Rodríguez.
The phrase “Contigo pan y cebolla,” which translates to “With you, bread and onions” in English, serves as a central theme in this tango, symbolizing the idea of enduring love that persists despite hardships and the sheer basics of life. The lyrics speak to the romantic notion often promised by couples: a willingness to live a life of simplicity as long as they are together. However, as the narrative unfolds, it reveals a critical view of this idealistic promise, suggesting that reality often dispels romantic fantasies especially after marriage, painting a picture of disillusionment and abandonment.
The title itself, “Contigo pan y cebolla,” is a powerful symbol representing love in poverty—bread and onions being metaphorical for basic sustenance without luxuries. Bigeschi creatively contrasts it with “pirate tales” and dreams of wealth, only to use “onions” later as a symbol for tears, highlighting the pain hidden beneath the facade of romantic fantasies. Key phrases like “es pura mentira criolla disfrazada de verdad” (it is a pure native lie disguised as truth) and the shift seen when the love professed during courtship turns to abandonment, reflect a cynicism towards romantic idealism once confronted with reality.
Written and recorded in Argentina in 1940, “Contigo pan y cebolla” was created during a time of political and social changes in the country. This was a period when tango music often contained narratives that spoke directly to the working class, reflecting the struggles and the cultural shifts they faced. This tango, by addressing the disillusionment with romantic ideals in the harsh face of economic realities, connects deeply with its audience who could relate to the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst poverty.
Alfredo Bigeschi was an accomplished lyricist in the tango genre, known for his ability to weave complex emotions and societal critiques into his lyrics.