Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Don Juan

Don Juan is a Tango written by Ernesto Ponzio and recorded by Aníbal Troilo in 1967. Aníbal Troilo has recorded Don Juan as an instrumental Tango.
“Don Juan,” or “Sir John,” echoes through the melodic embrace of this captivating piece. The name speaks of a legendary figure, a master of charm and seduction, whose tales of romance are as intricate and passionate as a tango’s rhythm. In every note, his spirit dances, weaving stories of love, adventure, and unyielding allure.

Tango

Style

Aníbal Troilo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Ricardo Podesta

Author

Ernesto Ponzio

Composer

1967/10/18

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Aníbal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo

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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 the tango, I’m so skilled
that when I pull off a double cut
word 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 on, man, hold on.
Let the piano continue, man,
realize it yourself
and then you’ll say
if with this taita
they could handle in the North
hold on man, what a move,
hold on, man, hold on.

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

I am the man of the neighborhood,
ask anyone.
This isn’t the first time
they’ve come to know me.
I live by San Cristobal,
they call me Don Juan Cabello,
write it down on your collar
and there you go, and there you go, that’s 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

The tango “Don Juan” highlights the prowess and distinctive character of a man who is both admired and renowned in his community for his dancing skills and charismatic personality. The lyrics depict a person who takes pride in his mastery of the Tango, with his fame spreading from one end of the country to another, symbolizing his wide-reaching reputation. His prowess in dance movements like ‘doble corte’ and his fashionable dressing style make him a beloved figure, blessing him with good health and vitality.

Symbolism of Don Juan

The tango utilizes various symbols to deepen its portrayal of the protagonist. The repetition of the phrase “calá, che, calá”, a colloquial expression, suggests attention-grabbing or showcasing – emphasizing the man’s ability to impress and command attention effortlessly. The use of light symbolism in “y luego tengo una vista que hasta dicen que soy luz” portrays him as someone who is not only a visionary but also illuminates and leads the way for others. The choice of clothing, “la forma de mi cuerpo arreglada a mi vestido,” symbolizes his identity and how he meticulously presents himself to maintain his coveted status.

Don Juan in historic Context

The creation of this Tango in 1967 Argentina likely reflects the cultural importance of dance and the typical character of the machismo figure in Latin American societies. During this era, tango music and dancing were integral to Argentine identity, capturing the essence of everyday life. The character of Don Juan, with an almost legendary status in his local community, may resonate with the attributes of the traditional “compadrito” — an urban rogue figure and a skilled dancer in Argentine folklore.

Ricardo Podesta

Ricardo Podesta, a distinguished figure in the Argentine tango scene, is recognized for his contributions as both a lyricist and an impactful persona in the cultural tapestry of tango.