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.
Malevaje is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discépolo and composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto.
The tango “Malevaje” unravels the story of a man whose life has been profoundly altered by a consuming love. The term “malevaje,” translated as “the rabble” or “low-lives,” refers to his past identity within the rough, streetwise underbelly of society. This man, renowned for his toughness and feared reputation, finds himself disoriented and softened by the emotional impact of love. He is astonished and conflicted by his transformation, feeling almost betraying his former self and reputation. The narrative captures the inner turmoil of preserving one’s hardened exterior against the vulnerability love induces.
Symbolism in “Malevaje” is deeply rooted in the juxtaposition of past and present self-images of the protagonist. The phrase “no me has dejao ni el pucho en la oreja,” suggesting that he doesn’t even have a cigarette left behind his ear, a classic pose of the tough guy, symbolizes the total abandonment of his former self. The act of “tangueando altanera,” or haughtily tangoing, symbolizes the woman’s confident, almost defiant, attitude that captivates and intimidates him, marking the seismic shift in his life from a tumultuous past to a tumultuous emotional present. Such expressions richly illustrate the battle between the nostalgic allure of a rebellious past and the transformative power of love.
The year 1963, the era of “Malevaje’s” creation, sits within a culturally vibrant but politically volatile period in Argentina. The country had witnessed a revolution in 1962 and was on the verge of a long period of political unrest. This backdrop may mirror the protagonist’s conflict of identity—one between a tumultuous, perhaps ‘revolutionary’ past, and the unsettling peace of emotional surrender. It reflects the broader societal shifts and personal upheavals common during such unstable periods.
Enrique Santos Discépolo, an iconic figure in the world of tango, is known for his profound lyrics that often delve into the psychological and social undercurrents of Argentine life.