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Don Juan

Don Juan is a Tango written by Ernesto Ponzio and recorded by Osvaldo Fresedo in 1928. Osvaldo Fresedo has recorded Don Juan as an instrumental Tango.
“Don Juan,” or “Sir John” in English, is a name that echoes with the allure of romance and the mystique of an enigmatic lover. This piece of music dances between passion and seduction, capturing the essence of a charismatic figure whose charm is legendary. Each note unfolds a story of desire, inviting us to explore the depths of human connection and affection.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Fresedo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Ricardo Podesta

Author

Ernesto Ponzio

Composer

1928/3/6

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Osvaldo Fresedo
Osvaldo Fresedo

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Don Juan recorded by other Orchestras

Don Juan recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Don Juan

En el tango soy tan taura
que cuando hago un doble corte
corre la voz por el Norte,
si es que me encuentro en el Sud.
Y pa bailar la Yuyeta
si es que me visto a la moda
la gente me dice toda
Dios le dé, Dios le dé, vida y salud.

Calá, che, calá.
Siga el piano, che,
dése cuenta usted
y después dirá
si con este taita
podrán por el Norte
calá che, qué corte,
calá, che, calá.

No hay teatro que no conozca
pues hasta soy medio artista
y luego tengo una vista
que hasta dicen que soy luz.
Y la forma de mi cuerpo
arreglada a mi vestido
me hacen mozo muy querido,
lo juro, lo juro por esta cruz.

Yo soy el taita del barrio,
pregúnteselo a cualquiera.
No es esta la vez primera
en que me han de conocer.
Yo vivo por San Cristóbal,
me llaman Don Juan Cabello,
anóteselo en el cuello
y ahí va, y ahí va, así me quieren ver.

English lyrics of the Tango "Don Juan"

In tango, I’m so impressive
that when I perform a double cut,
the word spreads in the North,
if I am in the South.
And to dance the Yuyeta,
if I dress in style,
everyone tells me,
God give him, God give him, life and health.

Cut it out, mate, cut it out.
Let the piano continue, mate,
realize it yourself
and then you’ll say
if with this boss
they could in the North,
cut it out mate, what a move,
cut it out, mate, cut it out.

There’s no theater I don’t know
since I’m even somewhat an artist,
and then I have a vision
that they even say I am light.
And the shape of my body,
fitted to my suit,
makes me a very beloved lad,
I swear, I swear on this cross.

I am the boss of the neighborhood,
ask anyone.
It’s not the first time
they will come to know me.
I live in San Cristóbal,
they call me Don Juan Cabello,
note it down on your collar
and there it goes, and there it goes, that’s how they want to see me.

Don Juan by Ricardo Podesta

Don Juan is a Tango written by Ricardo Podesta and composed by Ernesto Ponzio.



Story behind the Tango Don Juan

‘Don Juan’ vividly portrays an individual’s pride and reputation in the local tango scene. Through the lyrics, the character portrayed by the singer asserts his expertise and fame in dancing Tango, especially highlighting his execution of the “doble corte,” a complex Tango move. The protagonist is lauded as ‘Don Juan,’ signifying his suave mannerisms and romantic allure, akin to the legendary figure Don Juan, who is famous for his seductive abilities and prowess in love affairs. This use of the name emphasizes his desirability and dominance in social settings, particularly within the dance halls of Buenos Aires.



Symbolism of Don Juan

The lyrics of “Don Juan” deploy dynamic expressions and symbolism to accentuate the protagonist’s swagger and skill. Phrases like “soy luz” (I am light) suggest his prominent and perhaps indispensable presence in theaters and dance venues, likening him to a source of energy and illumination. Another symbolic representation emerges in the assertive choruses, “calá, che, calá,” a colloquial way of demanding attention and silence, signifying his commanding presence. The reverence for his dancing prowess where onlookers wish him “vida y salud” (life and health) further cements his esteemed status.



Don Juan in historic Context

‘Don Juan’ was created and recorded in the vibrant cultural milieu of Argentina in 1928, a period when Tango music was integral to Argentine identity and social life. The 1920s were a golden era for Tango, with the dance and its music evolving into a sophisticated art form experienced in salons and lyrical theatres alike. This makes the protagonist’s mastery in it an avenue for social mobility and recognition. The reference to “San Cristóbal” locates the Tango within a specific barrio of Buenos Aires, tying the narrative to real places known for their Tango culture.



Ricardo Podesta

Ricardo Podesta was renowned for his contributions to Tango, both through his performances and compositions.