Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
La puñalada is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Pintín Castellanos.
The lyrics of “La puñalada” delve into the story of a tough, well-known man from the Palermo neighborhood who, driven to a dance by pride and the incitement of a beautiful woman, ends up in a deadly confrontation. As the song progresses, it captures the tension of the dance floor where reputation and bravado lead to an irreversible act of violence, spurred by both jealousy and honor. The woman, central to the narrative, uses her gaze to incite the protagonist to defend his status, triggering a tragic altercation that ends with a knife strike, the “puñalada.”
The title “La puñalada” symbolizes both a physical and emotional betrayal. The literal translation to English is “The Stabbing,” which underscores the fatal outcome of the tango’s narrative. Symbolically, the stabbing represents a breach of trust and the destructive impact of love and jealousy. The imagery of the tango’s setting – a dance hall illuminated by a kerosene lamp, where glances are exchanged and tensions rise – adds a layer of dramatic intensity that enhances the tragedy unfolding in the lyrics.
Recorded in 1951, “La puñalada” takes place in an era when the tango music scene was intertwined with the gritty life of Buenos Aires’ suburbs, particularly neighborhoods like Palermo, known for its vibrant culture and, occasionally, its underworld activities. During the mid-20th century, tango was not just a dance but an expression of deeper social and personal narratives, often reflecting themes of love, betrayal, and machismo which were prevalent in Argentine culture. The portrayal of streetwise characters, dance halls as arenas for personal conflicts, and the fatal outcome all reflect a societal fascination with tales of passion and honor.
An Argentine poet and tango lyricist, Celedonio Flores is celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of urban life and the sentiments of the common people in his works.