Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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.
El entrerriano is a Tango written by Homero Exposito and composed by Rosendo Mendizabal.
The lyrics of “El entrerriano” narrate the self-assured declaration of an individual from Entre Rios (entrerriano), revealing his identity and his pride in his roots and skills. The protagonist presents himself as both a milonguero (a tango dancer) and a compadrito (a term used in the Rio de la Plata area to denote a street-wise man, with certain bravado). Through the medium of tango, he expresses the profound depths of his emotions and his prowess in dancing and love, positioning himself as the epitome of passion and skill.
The symbolism in “El entrerriano” is richly woven into the depiction of dance as a metaphor for life and love. For instance, phrases like “llevándola juntito a mí como apretando el corazón” (bringing her close to me as if pressing the heart) symbolize the intimate and essential nature of love, suggesting that true passion is as vital as a heartbeat. The use of tango dance elements such as “haciendo cortes” (making cuts) symbolically relates to navigating life’s complexities—both geographically ‘to the South and to the North’ and emotionally. These symbolisms highlight the cultural importance of tango as not just a dance, but as a lifestyle, reflecting deeper emotional truths.
“El entrerriano” was penned during the golden age of Argentine tango (1940s), a period marked by significant political and social changes in Argentina. This historical context could be influencing the strong sense of identity and assertiveness in the lyrics. During this time, tango was not only a means of artistic expression but also a manifestation of Argentine cultural pride. Each performance carried with it layers of resonance with the audience’s own experiences of resilience and passion, themes that were ever-relevant in the societal fabric of the time.
Homero Exposito was a prominent Argentine lyricist known for his profound and evocative contributions to the tango genre.