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 penado catorce is a Tango written by Carlos Pesce and composed by Agustín Magaldi.
‘El penado catorce’, which translates to ‘The Convict Fourteen’, narrates the poignant story of a prisoner confined in a distant, dark cell. In his final moments, he attempts to communicate through gestures, but tragically, no one understands him. He leaves behind a letter addressed to a judge, requesting a final visit from his mother, reflecting his deep desire to connect with his ‘first love’, a symbol for parental affection and forgiveness. His life and silent struggles culminate in his lonely death, his last thoughts carried away by the wind.
The lyrics are laden with symbols of isolation, despair, and unfulfilled yearnings. The ‘dark cell’ represents not only physical confinement but also the emotional and societal isolation faced by the prisoner. The ‘letter’, as his final connection to the world, symbolizes his lingering human dignity and desperate need for familial love. The recurring references to the ‘mother’ and ‘first love’ heighten the emotional intensity, suggesting that maternal love remains a pure, redeeming force even in the darkest moments. The song is a powerful reflection on the themes of alienation, regret, and the human desire for compassion.
Written and recorded in Argentina in 1947, a period marked by political instability and social unrest, ‘El penado catorce’ reflects the harsh realities of life in confinement. The setting in a ‘distant prison’ possibly alludes to the remoteness and exclusion of individuals deemed outcasts by society. During this era, Tango often served as a medium to express and critique societal issues, with narratives focusing on the marginalized. This song channels the broader social discourse about justice, empathy, and human rights prevalent in post-war Argentina.
Carlos Pesce was a prolific Argentinian lyricist known for his deep, evocative tango lyrics that often explored themes of love, sorrow, and societal issues.