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El trece

El trece is a Tango written by Albérico Spátola and recorded by Rodolfo Biagi in 1938. Rodolfo Biagi has recorded El trece as an instrumental Tango.
“El Trece,” translating to “The Thirteen” in English, is a name that evokes the mystery and allure often associated with this number. In the syncopated dance of notes, there lies an echo of risk and chance, much like a hidden card in a gambler’s hand. The music spins a story of whispers and fleeting glances, weaving a tapestry of fate and destiny.

Tango

Style

Rodolfo Biagi

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Angel Gregorio Villoldo

Author

Albérico Spátola

Composer

1938/11/15

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Rodolfo Biagi
Rodolfo Biagi

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El trece recorded by other Orchestras

El trece recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango El trece

¡Qué lindo es bailar
un tango dormilón,
gozar, soñar, vivir, sentir,
las vibraciones del corazón!

Cuando con dolor
Me balanceo al compás,
No sé lo que me pasa,
Siento un goce sin igual.

Cuando embelesado, voy en los brazos de mi bien
Rebosa mi pecho de pasión y de placer,
Y el grato vaivén de esta danza me hace muy feliz
Y es El Trece voluptuoso, el que me gusta a mí.

Es el tango para bailar
Una danza muy singular
Que el alma nos enajena
Y de emociones nos llena.

Es el tango mi gran pasión
Y palpita mi corazón
Cuando bailo con un criollo
Buen pierna y se hamaca mi corazón.

English lyrics of the Tango "El trece"

How lovely it is to dance
a sleepy tango,
to enjoy, dream, live, feel,
the vibrations of the heart!

When with pain
I sway to the rhythm,
I don’t know what happens to me,
I feel an unequaled joy.

When spellbound, I go in the arms of my beloved,
My chest overflows with passion and pleasure,
And the pleasant sway of this dance makes me very happy
And it’s El Trece voluptuous, the one I like.

It’s the tango to dance
A very unique dance
That enchants our souls
And fills us with emotions.

Tango is my great passion
And my heart throbs
When I dance with a criollo
Good leg and my heart swings.

El trece by Angel Gregorio Villoldo

El trece is a Tango written by Angel Gregorio Villoldo and composed by Albérico Spátola.

Story behind the Tango El trece

The lyrics of “El trece” traverse a mesmerizing journey through the emotional prowess and allure of dancing a Tango. Angel Gregorio Villoldo, the lyricist, invites listeners into a world where the slow, rhythmic movement of the dance becomes a conduit for experiencing profound emotions and dreams. The opening exclamation, “¡Qué lindo es bailar un tango dormilón!”—translating roughly to “How beautiful it is to dance a dreamy tango!”—encapsulates the sheer joy and enchantment derived from this art form. As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the sensations of bliss and heartache intertwined with the dance’s execution.



Symbolism of El trece

“El trece” symbolizes the transformative power of the tango, not merely as a dance but as an intimate emotional experience. The repeated mention of the heart’s vibrations and the soul-stirring effects of the dance hint at tango’s capability to mirror deep-seated feelings and connections. “Y el grato vaivén de esta danza me hace muy feliz”— “And the pleasant swinging of this dance makes me very happy” underscores the serene yet intoxicating effect this dance holds over its participants, while the dance number, “El trece,” suggests a particular pattern or move in tango that brings about unparalleled joy and satisfaction to the dancer.



El trece in historic Context

Recorded in 1938 in Argentina, “El trece” arrives during a time when tango was not only a national treasure but also an international sensation. The 1930s were a period of great transformation culturally and politically, both in Argentina and worldwide. During this era, tango lyrics often encapsulated the common people’s sentiments, dramas, and joys—acting as reflective social commentary woven through melodious and evocative performances. Therefore, “El trece” might have served as a reflection on personal experiences and collective identity through the universal language of dance.



Angel Gregorio Villoldo

Angel Gregorio Villoldo was an influential figure in the history of Tango, known as one of its early pioneers. His works significantly contributed to the genre’s foundations in Argentina.