Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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.
Criollita linda is a Tango written by José Di Clemente and composed by José Di Clemente.
The tango “Criollita linda” is a song steeped in passionate declarations of love and admiration. José Di Clemente crafts a lyrical narrative that resonates with a common theme of deep affection and desire to be close to the beloved, identified in the lyrics as “Criollita linda,” translating to “lovely criolla” in English. “Criolla” traditionally pertains to people of Spanish descent born in the Americas, suggesting a rich cultural background. The narrator expresses earnest pleas for love and the wish to be as close and as necessary to the beloved as natural elements like the sun and the breeze.
In “Criollita linda,” there is ample use of natural imagery to elevate the beloved to an almost divine status. Comparing jealousy with the sun and a bird in flight illustrates the vast and unreachable qualities that the observer attributes to the beloved. The desire to be the breeze that gently touches the beloved’s face is a poignant metaphor for close and intimate affection, symbolizing a soft, quiet presence in their life. Additionally, the references to altars and reigning as a deity encapsulate the theme of worship and deep adoration, transforming the beloved into a sanctified being within the heart’s “sanctuary.” Phrases such as “Diosa de mi amor” (Goddess of my love) reinforce this elevated love.
When “Criollita linda” emerged in 1942 Argentina, the country was experiencing significant political and social shifts. The era’s emotional intensity could be reflected in the passionate expressions and melodramatic sentiments found in the lyrics. This period in Argentine history was marked by a surge in national identity and cultural expression, particularly through art forms like tango, which often explored themes of love, nostalgia, and personal struggle. The song’s emphasis on native (“criolla”) elements can also be seen as a celebration of Argentine identity and a local, personalized love story.
José Di Clemente was a distinguished figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for his poignant compositions and contributions to the genre’s rich tapestry of music and poetry.