Estrella by Roberto Cassinelli

Estrella is a Tango written by Roberto Cassinelli and composed by Marcelino Hernández.

Story behind the Tango Estrella

The lyrics of “Estrella” revolve around a young woman from a modest neighborhood whose life and rumors surrounding her stir the local community. “Era una calle de barrio pobre” sets the scene in a poor district, painting a vivid picture of the environment in which she lives. The storyline develops through the community’s talk and the transformation of their perception following her death, touching deeply on themes of social reputation and personal tragedy.

Symbolism of Estrella

The name “Estrella,” meaning “Star” in English, symbolizes a beacon of hope and dreams, juxtaposed with the harsh reality of her life, filled with “mentiras y champán” (lies and champagne), suggesting a façade of glamour covering sadness and deception. The frequent reference to the dawn, “cuando la aurora de cobre y bronce,” symbolizes both an end and a beginning, highlighting the cyclic nature of life and gossip in her community. The powerful imagery of her eyes, “el azul de su mirada,” laden with a poem of bitterness, conveys deep internal suffering masked by outward sweetness.

Estrella in Historic Context

Recorded in 1979 in Argentina, a period marked by political upheaval and suppression under a military dictatorship, “Estrella” subtly reflects the broader context of censorship and societal control. The local street and neighborhood gossip can be seen as a microcosm of greater societal surveillance and judgment. Furthermore, the shift in the community’s attitude towards Estrella upon her death mirrors the broader theme of regret and reconciliation that would emerge in Argentina’s national consciousness post-dictatorship.

Roberto Cassinelli

Roberto Cassinelli was an influential figure in Argentine tango, with his work highlighting social issues and personal narratives.