Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Don Juan

Don Juan is a Tango written by Ernesto Ponzio and recorded by Osmar Maderna in 1946. Osmar Maderna has recorded Don Juan as an instrumental Tango.
The piece titled “Don Juan,” or “Mr. Juan” in English, evokes the timeless allure of the legendary seducer. With every note, it captures the essence of ambition and charm, painting a portrait of a man who dances effortlessly between worlds. This music whispers tales of passion and fervor, leaving echoes of desire intertwined with mystery.

Tango

Style

Osmar Maderna

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Ricardo Podesta

Author

Ernesto Ponzio

Composer

1946/9/24

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Osmar Maderna
Osmar Maderna

Discover Other Orchestras

Recommended

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.

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 skilled
that when I make a double cut
news spreads in the North,
if I happen to be in the South.

And to dance the Yuyeta,
if I dress in style,
everyone tells me,
“God give you, God give you, life and health.”

Hold up, man, hold up.
Let the piano continue, man,
realize it yourself
and then you’ll say
if with this guy
they can in the North,
hold up, man, what a cut,
hold up, man, hold up.

There’s no theater I don’t know,
I’m even a bit of an artist,
and then I have a vision
they even say I’m a light.
And the shape of my body,
matched to my dress,
makes me a very beloved young man,
I swear, I swear by this cross.

I am the boss of the neighborhood,
ask anyone.
This isn’t the first time
they’ll come to know me.
I live by San Cristóbal,
they call me Don Juan Cabello,
note it down on your collar,
and there it goes, and there it goes, just how they like 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” is not just a tango but a narrative encapsulating the self-assured, charismatic persona of a man who is deeply admired and respected in his community. The lyrics detail the prowess and charm of this individual, celebrated in both his artistic abilities and his stylish demeanor. This man, identified by his nickname ‘Don Juan Cabello’, radiates a confidence that is recognized and revered across his local regions, from the north to the south.



Symbolism of Don Juan

The recurrent phrase, “Dios le dé, Dios le dé, vida y salud” (God give him life and health), serves as a symbolic benediction—a testament to Don Juan’s beloved status among his peers. Symbolism in “Don Juan” extends to the pride in his neighborhood and personal history, where his life’s narrative weaves through the streets of San Cristóbal, an actual locality in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here, the character’s life is almost sanctified, his existence blending seamlessly with the mythical aura surrounding the historic figure of Don Juan, famed as a seducer and a cultural symbol of passionate allure.



Don Juan in Historic Context

Set in the context of post-World War II, Argentina in 1946 was a nation experiencing significant social and political change. This period saw the rise of Juan Domingo Perón and a distinct cultural emphasis on national identity, where tango often served as a voice reflecting societal sentiments. In “Don Juan”, we sense a resurgence of local pride and a celebration of cultural continuity, which exists even amidst the evolving Argentinean societal landscape. This tango taps into the historical lore of the Don Juan figure, culturally reinterpreted to reflect the Argentine ethos and local pride of the barrios (neighborhoods), particularly evident through the festive spirit and communal recognition seen in the lyrics.



Ricardo Podesta

Ricardo Podesta was a notable lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, revered for his ability to capture the essence of the local tango culture and its characters within his work.