Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
La maleva is a Tango written by Mario Pardo and composed by Antonio Buglione.
“La maleva” tells the poignant story of a woman who returns to her origins after leading a life filled with luxury and the nightlife that defines the milonga scene. The lyrics evoke a sense of repentance and redemption as she abandons her past indulgences—symbolized by her departure from the glamorous Pigall—to embrace the simpler, more respectable life she once knew. The repeated reference to her returning “to her first life” suggests a cyclical view of existence and the possibility of renewal and forgiveness.
The term “maleva” itself carries connotations of a tough, fierce woman, often associated with the street-smart and rebellious characters of early 20th century Buenos Aires. This image contrasts with the themes of repentance and domestic return in the tango, making the title ironic yet poignant. Key phrases like “deslumbraba en el Pigall” and “has de pensar que el cariño” underscore her transformation from a dazzling figure in a notorious nightclub to someone who cherishes simple affection and warmth, symbolized by the “manto de armiño” or ermine cloak, indicating both protection and a return to purity.
Released in 1939, during a period of cultural shifts in Argentina, “La maleva” reflects societal attitudes towards the roles and redemption of women. The era was marked by a transition from the hedonistic Roaring Twenties to more conservative views following the global upheavals of the 1930s. The tango, with its roots deeply embedded in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, often mirrored these social changes through the stories told in its lyrics, highlighting themes of regret, return, and reconciliation within the context of personal and societal upheaval.
Mario Pardo was an influential lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, known for his deep and evocative lyrics that often explored themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.