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.
Farol is a Tango written by Homero Expósito and composed by Virgilio Expósito.
Farol translates to “streetlight” or “lantern” in English, symbolizing illumination and guidance in a humble neighborhood setting. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a working-class suburb with houses reflecting their metallic sorrow, underlined by the local culture that breathes through tango songs. The refrain “Farol, las cosas que ahora se ven…” implies a shift in the community or environment that a nostalgic past light once brightened. The streetlight stands as a silent witness to the transformation and loss of its neighborhood’s former vibrancy.
The “farol” in this piece is loaded with symbolism, not just as a physical source of light but as a beacon of memory and change. It stands as a testament to the past glories and lived experiences of the neighborhood’s working-class residents. Mentioning the streetlight’s “tango in the pocket” losing its light and shine over time evocatively tells of traditional values and old ways slowly fading, unable to withstand the test of time and modernity. The portrayal of shadows escaping the lantern’s gaze further symbolizes the diminishing connection with history and the overshadowing of simpler, yet profound aspects of local life.
Written in Argentina during 1943, an era marked by socio-political shifts leading up to the Peronist era, “Farol” reflects a period of significant change. During this time, Argentina faced profound transformations in its social fabric, characterized by increasing industrialization and urban sprawl, which altered the culture and dynamic of neighborhoods like the one depicted in the tango. The reference to conversations between the sky and workers’ dreams underlines a collective yearning for better times amid changing social realities. The lyrics likely resonate with the common people’s nostalgia and the dissipation of community bonds brought upon by evolving urban landscapes.
Homero Expósito was a notable Argentine lyricist and poet, recognized for his profound contributions to the genre of Tango, often imbuing his works with deep emotional resonances and reflective themes.