Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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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.
Duelo criollo is a Tango written by Lito Bayardo and composed by Juan Rezzano.
The narrative of “Duelo criollo” revolves around a tragic love story set within the backdrop of a serene night lit by a calm moonlight. The lyrics tell the tale of an ill-fated romance involving a young woman from the suburbs, described as the neighborhood’s beloved flower. She catches the affections of a payador (a traditional folk singer and poet) who serenades her under her window, only to meet a tragic end due to a deadly duel spurred by another contender for her love. The moonlit night that witnessed the duel serves as a constant reminder of the passion and sorrow that unfolded.
The use of the moonlight symbolizes the dual nature of beauty and tragedy interwoven in the tale. It casts a peaceful light even as it witnesses the grievous outcome of the romantic duel, encapsulating the juxtaposition of serenity and turmoil. The song that is sung, heard by many, stands as a metaphor for the tale that continues to resonate throughout the neighborhood, a poignant reminder of the love and loss enshrined in the memories of the community. Key phrases like “baña con su luz de plata” (bathes with its silver light) and “esa canción que es el broche de aquel amor que pasó” (that song that is the clasp of that love that passed) evoke a sentimental reflection on bygone times.
Written in 1966, a period marked by social and cultural transformations in Argentina, “Duelo criollo” echoes the traditional Tango themes of love, sorrow, and fatalism, which resonated strongly during times of intense change and uncertainty. The traditional elements of Tango with its deep communal roots in the barrios of Buenos Aires are reflected through mentions of local settings like the “barrio” and the “viejo caserón” (old large house), anchoring the song within a specific societal framework that values honor, passion, and tragic beauty.
Lito Bayardo, born as Manuel Juan García Ferrari, was a prominent Argentine lyricist and singer, renowned for his contributions to the Tango genre.