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El apache argentino

El apache argentino is a Tango written by Manuel Aróztegui and recorded by Francini-Pontier in 1949. Francini-Pontier has recorded El apache argentino as an instrumental Tango.
The piece of music “El apache argentino,” or “The Argentine Apache,” evokes the spirit of a daring and rebellious figure in Argentine culture. The name suggests a blend of wild, untamed energy with a refined elegance, much like the dance of the tango itself. It captures the essence of passion and resilience, telling a story through each melancholic note and vibrant rhythm.

Tango

Style

Francini-Pontier

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Arturo Mathón

Author

Manuel Aróztegui

Composer

1949/1/28

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Francini-Pontier
Francini-Pontier

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El apache argentino recorded by other Orchestras

El apache argentino recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango El apache argentino

Es el apache argentino

el tipo fiel de una raza

que se echa’e ver por su traza

la astucia de su valor.

¡Y ay de aquél que se atreviera

a hacer de su amor ultraje!,

ha de vengar con coraje

la chinita de su amor



Astuto, altivo y muy valiente

siempre ha sido

si es que le sale algún rival

y sabe jugar la vida

por medio de su puñal.

Jamás peleó desprevenido

porque como hombre que fue acción

defiéndese como bravo

y no lo asusta ni lo arredra

ni un canfinfle ni un matón.



Es el ser desheredado

de la fortuna, si tiene

y el que por riqueza tiene

muy noble su corazón.

Es blanco de la tortura

de la mano justiciera

y tiene en su alma altanera

English lyrics of the Tango "El apache argentino"

He is the Argentine apache,

the true type of a race

that can be seen by his trace

the cunning of his courage.

And woe to those who dared

to insult his love!

he must avenge with courage

his darling’s love.



Cunning, proud, and very brave

he has always been

if a rival shows up

and he knows how to stake his life

with his dagger in hand.

He never fought unprepared

because as a man of action

he defends himself fiercely

and he’s neither frightened nor deterred

by any ruffian or thug.



He is the dispossessed being

of fortune, if he possesses

and he who, for wealth, holds

his heart very noble.

He’s the target of the torture

by the righteous hand

and in his haughty soul

El apache argentino by Arturo Mathón

El apache argentino is a Tango written by Arturo Mathón and composed by Manuel Aróztegui.



Story behind the Tango El apache argentino

“El apache argentino” tells the story of a quintessential Argentinean “apache,” representative of a certain archetype in local lore. This character is depicted as a loyal and cunning individual, not just through his actions but also through his honor and bravery. The lyrics portray him as a defender of love, ready to avenge any affront against his loved one with courage. These narrative layers provide a parallel to the urban underdog, a prevalent figure in tango folklore, who reveals his nobility not through wealth but through the richness of his heart and the intensity of his love.



Symbolism of El apache argentino

The character of the “apache argentino” operates as a symbol of defiance and resistance, echoing broader themes of justice and personal honor in Argentine culture. The phrases “defiéndese como bravo” (defends like a brave one) and “y no lo asusta ni lo arredra ni un canfinfle ni un matón” (neither scaremongers nor bullies frighten or deter him) amplify this symbolism, presenting him as an unyielding figure standing against oppression or deceit. The nuances of loyalty and protection towards his ‘chinita’ (a term of endearment for his lady), a deep cultural nod to protecting loved ones at all costs, enforce the profound sentimentality and the intricate social dynamics within Argentine society during the mid-20th century.



El apache argentino in historic Context

The tango was recorded on January 28, 1949, a time post-World War II where Argentina was under significant political and social changes. This era saw a rise in national identity and introspection within Argentine society. The creation of “El apache argentino” amidst such transformative times can be interpreted as a reinforcement of traditional values and identities, possibly serving as a cultural anchor in a rapidly changing world. The depiction of a lone but noble figure fighting for personal justice could very well mirror a collective yearning for stability and moral direction.



Arturo Mathón

Arturo Mathón was a notable Argentine lyricist, known for capturing the deep emotional and social undercurrents of his time through tango lyrics.