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Criolla

Criolla is a Vals written by Carmelo Di Nápoli and recorded by Alfredo De Angelis in 1951. The Vals Criolla is written by Carmelo Di Nápoli, Alfredo De Angelis has recorded Criolla with the singer Carlos Dante, Oscar Larroca.
“Criolla,” translating to “Creole” in English, is a vivid tapestry of cultural lineage interwoven through melody and rhythm. This piece captures the essence of a diverse heritage, where indigenous roots blend with European influences to create a unique musical narrative. In its notes, one feels the heartbeat of a land shaped by history and tradition, whispering tales of its rich and complex identity.

Vals

Style

Alfredo De Angelis

Orchestra

Carlos Dante, Oscar Larroca

Singer

Enrique Gaudino

Author

Carmelo Di Nápoli

Composer

1951/7/11

Date

Carlos Dante, Oscar Larroca
Carlos Dante, Oscar Larroca
Alfredo De Angelis
Alfredo De Angelis

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Lyrics Translation of the Vals Criolla

This is the translation of the Vals “Criolla” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Vals “Criolla” have been done with AI.

Letra del Vals Criolla

Amo a una criolla divina
De voz cristalina y cuerpo ´e juncal,
Tímida y pálida estrella
De mi rodar en la huella.
Criolla de estampa bizarra
Aquí en mi guitarra tejió un madrigal,
Cuando al mirarla se puso
Más roja que el delantal.

Aquella tardecita que la vi pasar
Le hablé de mi profunda admiración,
Y fue desde ese día
La reina adorada de mi corazón.
Y su alma que es un cofre de cristal
También abierta a la belleza y la emoción,
Escucha embelesada
Las notas que arranco de mi diapasón.

Virgen de carnes morenas
Por quien viejas penas traté de olvidar,
Ave alegrando ese nido
Por mi cariño construido.
Hija de gauchos varones
Por quien mis bordones supieron vibrar,
Fruto en sazón de mi tierra
Que me inspiró este cantar.

English lyrics of the Vals "Criolla"

I love a divine Creole woman
With a crystalline voice and reedy body,
A shy and pale star
Of my wandering trail.
Creole of unique charm,
Here on my guitar you wove a madrigal,
When by looking at her, she turned
Redder than an apron.

That little evening when I saw her pass by
I spoke of my deep admiration,
And since that day
She’s been the beloved queen of my heart.
And her soul, which is a chest of crystal
Also open to beauty and emotion,
Listens enthralled
To the notes I pluck from my fretboard.

Virgin of brown flesh
For whom old sorrows I tried to forget,
Bird cheering that nest
Built by my affection.
Daughter of strong gauchos
For whom my strings knew how to vibrate,
Ripe fruit of my land
That inspired this song.

Criolla by Enrique Gaudino

Criolla is a Tango written by Enrique Gaudino and composed by Carmelo Di Nápoli.



Story behind the Tango Criolla

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.



Symbolism of Criolla

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.



Criolla in Historic Context

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

Enrique Gaudino was a distinguished figure in the Argentinian music scene, known for his contribution to the Tango genre.