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 mascota del barrio is a Tango written by Reinaldo Yiso and composed by Abel Aznar.
“La mascota del barrio” tells the poignant story of a young, promising football player who is a beloved figure in his neighborhood, associated with the local football club “Once Estrellas”. The lyrics trace his rise as a promising player, often likened to Bernabé Ferreyra, a legendary figure in Argentine football, and his tragic accident during a game leading to a severe injury. This event halts his rising career and transforms his life drastically. Despite the physical setback, his spirit remains linked with the sport and his neighborhood, although it evolves from active participant to a nostalgic spectator, carrying deep emotional scars.
The symbolic heart of the tango lies in the representation of the young player as “La mascota del barrio” — the neighborhood’s mascot. This title reflects how deeply intertwined his identity is with the local spirit and pride of the football community. The once vibrant and cheering setting turns somber with his injury, symbolizing the fragility of dreams and the impact of fate on human aspirations. The wheelchair and his tears become powerful symbols of lost potential and personal sorrow amidst community disappointment. Phrases like “en andas volvía” imply his heroic status turned into one of dependency, reflecting a fall from grace not through personal failings but through tragic circumstance.
“La mascota del barrio” was created and recorded in Argentina in 1946, a period when the nation was marked by political instability and social transformations which might have enhanced the resonance of such emotionally charged narratives among the local population. The turmoil and hopes of post-war Argentina could be seen reflected in the personal tragedy and communal suffering of the song, mirroring the loss and resilience found throughout the country. Furthermore, the reference to community-centered activities like local football matches underscores the importance of neighborhood solidarity and local identity during times that demanded communal support and unity.
Reinaldo Yiso was a prominent Argentine lyricist and tango composer known for his heartfelt and vivid storytelling through music, capturing the essence of Argentinian life and emotions.