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.
Criolla is a Tango written by Enrique Gaudino and composed by Carmelo Di Nápoli.
At the heart of “Criolla” by Enrique Gaudino lies a layered tale of devotion and admiration towards a divine creole woman, described with rich imagery and emotional depth. The protagonist expresses love for a woman characterized by her crystal-clear voice and elegant demeanor. This love story is narrated through the metaphorical language of music, where the woman’s impression is likened to a song composed on the narrator’s guitar, highlighting the deep connection between the artist and his muse.
The song uses potent imagery and symbols to enhance its emotional narrative. The term “criolla” itself, meaning a person of pure or mostly Latin American descent, symbolizes the authenticity and rooted cultural identity of the woman. Describing her voice as “cristalina” and her body likened to reeds (“cuerpo ‘e juncal”) invokes a sense of purity and natural beauty. The color red, mentioned as she blushes, symbolizes her deep, visceral reaction to being noticed, indicating a vibrant, living passion hidden beneath her shy exterior. The metaphor of her soul described as a “cofre de cristal” (crystal chest) reinforces her fragility and the precious emotions she holds within.
Written and recorded in 1951 in Argentina, “Criolla” emerges from a period rich in cultural expression and the consolidation of national identities within the arts. Post-World War II, Argentina, like much of the world, was experiencing significant changes and a renaissance in folk and popular music, where tango played a crucial role. The tango, a dance of intimacy and complex emotions, was a tool for expressing the nuanced layers of human experiences and regional identities. Gaudino’s focus on the criolla as both a person and a symbol reflects a celebration of native heritage and an affective connection to the land and its traditions.
Enrique Gaudino was a distinguished figure in the Argentinian music scene, known for his contribution to the Tango genre.