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El Cachafaz

El Cachafaz is a Tango written by Manuel Aróztegui and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1937. Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El Cachafaz as an instrumental Tango.
“El Cachafaz,” meaning “The Rascal” in English, evokes the spirit of a lively and mischievous character. It carries with it the vibrant energy of a tango, where every note dances with flair and audacity. In this captivating piece, the rascal’s playful charm lures listeners into a whirlwind of passion and emotion.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Ángel Villoldo

Author

Manuel Aróztegui

Composer

1937/6/2

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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El Cachafaz recorded by other Orchestras

El Cachafaz recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango El Cachafaz

El cachafaz es un tipo
de vestir muy elegante
y en su presencia arrogante
se destaca un gran señor.
El cachafaz, donde quiera,
lo han de encontrar muy tranquilo
y si saca algún filo
se convierte en picaflor.

El cachafaz, bien lo saben,
que es famoso bailarín
y anda en busca de un festín
para así, florearse más.
El cachafaz cae a un baile
recelan los prometidos,
y tiemblan los maridos
cuando cae el cachafaz.

El cachafaz, cuando cae a un bailecito
se larga; pero muy de parada
y no respeta ni a casada;
y si es soltera, mejor.
Con mil promesas de ternura
les oferta, como todos, un mundo de grandezas
y nadie sabe que la pieza no ha pagado
y anda en busca afligido, el acreedor.

English lyrics of the Tango "El Cachafaz"

The dandy is a man
of very elegant dress,
and in his arrogant presence
stands out like a grand lord.
The dandy, wherever he goes,
is found very calm
and if he pulls out a blade,
he becomes a flirt.

The dandy, as is well-known,
is a famous dancer,
always in search of a feast
to show off even more.
The dandy arrives at a dance;
the engaged grow wary,
and husbands tremble
when the dandy arrives.

The dandy, when he hits a small dance,
he launches in, but very visibly,
and respects not even the married;
and if she’s single, all the better.
With a thousand promises of tenderness,
he offers, like everyone, a world of grandeur,
and no one knows that he has not paid,
and a creditor searches for him, distressed.

El Cachafaz by Ángel Villoldo

El Cachafaz is a Tango written by Ángel Villoldo and composed by Manuel Aróztegui.

Story behind the Tango El Cachafaz

“El Cachafaz” portrays a character known for his elegance and presence, generating awe wherever he goes. This tango narrates the exploits of a renowned dancer, whose presence in social gatherings and dances stirs jealousy among men and intrigue among women. The lyrics describe “El Cachafaz” as a suave individual who subtly manipulates social occasions to enhance his reputation, using his charms and skills in dance to navigate through the intricacies of social interactions.

Symbolism of El Cachafaz

The title “El Cachafaz” itself, which can be translated to “The Cheeky One” or “The Big Shot” in English, sets the tone for a character who is both audacious and admired. The repeated phrase “y si saca algún filo se convierte en picaflor” (and if he shows his edge, he becomes a flirt) symbolizes his ability to switch tactics, turning from a serious contender to a charming flirt as the situation demands. His actions at dances, where he disrupts the status quo, symbolize a deeper social commentary on the power dynamics and upheavals in Argentinean society during the tango era.

El Cachafaz in historic Context

Written and recorded in 1937, during a vibrant era of tango in Argentina, “El Cachafaz” reflects the social and cultural dynamics of the time. Tango was not just a dance but a reflection of the complexities of Argentine society, encapsulating themes of love, jealousy, stratification, and personal prowess. This era marked a time of significant political and social changes in Argentina, and tango often served as a narrative tool to comment on such changes discreetly and artistically. The character of El Cachafaz, therefore, acts as a metaphor for navigating the shifting social landscapes of the time.

Ángel Villoldo

Ángel Villoldo was a crucial figure in the history of tango, often referred to as “The Father of Tango” for his significant contributions to the genre’s development and popularization.