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.
El once (A divertirse) is a Tango written by Emilio Fresedo and composed by Osvaldo Fresedo.
“El once (A divertirse)” translates to “The Eleven (To Have Fun)” in English. The lyrics seemingly address an individual’s struggles and grief but ultimately emphasize escaping them through enjoyment and leisure. The main narrative encourages listeners to not let their sorrows be carried away by the wind and instead, find solace in forgetting through moments of joy and entertainment. The recurrent theme promotes the idea of resilience, encouraging the protagonist to face their sorrows with strength, symbolized by smiling while drinking and dancing, a common imagery in tango culture.
The lyrics make poignant use of symbolic language to convey its message. “No deje que sus penas se vayan al viento” illustrates the transient nature of pain, suggesting it can be as ephemeral as the wind if one chooses. The “humo de un puro” (“smoke of a cigar”) and “la luz del lugar” (“the light of the place”) are symbols of temporary escapes from reality, associated with ambient elements of a social event or nightclub, which serve as distractions from personal grief. The chorus line “Que baile su almita esperando un amor” symbolically invites the soul to dance, evidently looking forward to new love, embodying hope and the search for happiness.
Composed in 1945 Argentina, “El once (A divertirse)” emerges during a period marked by political and social changes post-World War II. The narrative likely reflects the collective societal desire to move past the hardships endured during these turbulent times. The emphasis on diversion and enjoyment can be seen as a method to cope with the societal stress and anxieties of that era. Buenos Aires, a city famed for its nightlife, provides the perfect backdrop for the song, where the “notes that wander” and the nightlife’s vibrancy offer a temporary reprieve from the day’s struggles.
Osvaldo Fresedo, a renowned figure in the world of tango, alongside his brother Emilio Fresedo, have made significant contributions to the genre, blending traditional Argentine music with new rhythms and sounds that reflect the evolving cultural landscape of Argentina.