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 violeta is a Tango written by Nicolás Olivari and composed by Cátulo Castillo.
The lyrics of “La violeta” delve deeply into the trials and tribulations faced by Italian immigrants in Argentina, portrayed through the character of Domingo Polenta. Sitting at a dirty table, lost in thoughts of his own immigration ordeal, he reflects on his challenging journey and current life. The setting in a grimy tavern, where other immigrants console themselves with songs from their homeland, showcases the bittersweet reality of seeking a better life afar. The recurring phrase “La violeta la va, la va, la va” – translated as “The violet goes, goes, goes” – symbolizes the ongoing struggle and the unachieved dreams of these immigrants.
“La violeta” symbolizes more than just a flower in the context of this Tango. It represents the delicate hopes and fragile dreams carried by immigrants like Domingo Polenta. The fact that it “goes” signifies perseverance amidst hardships. The song Domingo listens to in the tavern, a “Canzoneta de pago lejano” (a little song from a faraway land), becomes a beacon of his nostalgia and a painful reminder of the home he left behind. The tears in his eyes, described as pearls, further add to the raw emotion and the sense of longing for a time and place that are lost.
During the early 20th century, Argentina saw a massive influx of European immigrants, primarily Italians, seeking new opportunities. “La violeta,” written in 1930 in Argentina, reflects this significant historical movement. The locations and settings within the lyrics such as the “sucia cantina” (dirty tavern) where immigrants gathered, are indicative of the places where the immigrant community would often find solace and a connection to their homeland. The song’s historic context highlights the melancholic dichotomy of hope and disillusionment experienced by these new Argentinians.
Nicolás Olivari was a prominent Argentine poet and writer, known for his involvement in the literary avant-garde movement in Buenos Aires during the early 20th century.