Duelo criollo by Juan Rezzano
Duelo criollo is a Tango written by [Author Name] and composed by Juan Rezzano.
Story behind the Tango Duelo criollo
Duelo criollo tells a story rich with themes of love, betrayal, and inevitable tragedy set against the backdrop of an Argentine barrio. The narrative revolves around a ‘piba de arrabal’ (girl from the neighborhood) courted by a singer, a ‘payador,’ whose heartfelt songs express his deep affection for her. However, this story of love is entwined with rivalry, as another man of great reputation, a ‘taura,’ also vies for her affections. This love triangle tragically culminates in a duel, ‘duelo criollo,’ under the feeble illumination of a streetlamp, where both men meet their fate.
Symbolism of Duelo criollo
The tango’s lyrics are imbued with symbolism that elevates the emotional depth of the story. The moon’s serene light, ‘luz de plata,’ metaphorically highlights the calm before the storm, while the song is likened to a ‘sollozo de pena’ (sigh of sorrow), symbolizing the deep emotional undercurrents stirred by love and tragedy. The imagery of a window (‘ventanal’) represents both a physical and emotional barrier, where the payador’s serenades find their destination and audience. The streetlamp, a ‘farol,’ becomes a silent witness to the duel, its ‘débil luz’ (weak light) emphasizing the vulnerability and the fateful end of the protagonists. The conclusion sees the girl taking metaphorical flight, likened to an angel, representing purity and escape from earthly sorrows.
Duelo criollo in historic Context
Set in Buenos Aires in the early 1950s, the tango captures the essence of urban Argentine life during this era. The city, a melting pot of cultural influences and burgeoning urban struggles, provides a fitting backdrop for tales of passion and rivalry. The reference to payadores and tauristas reflects the deep-seated traditions of the ‘criollo’ culture—a mix of native and European influences seen in the customs, music, and emotions expressed in tango. The barrio setting highlights the communal aspect of these stories, where the neighborhood’s shared experiences and spaces become the stages for life’s dramatic events.
[Author Name]
[Author Name] was an influential lyricist, whose work contributed to the romantic and dramatic richness of tango, an evocative storytelling tradition in Argentine culture. Juan Rezzano, the composer, captured these emotional narratives through his memorable melodies.
