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.
Mandria is a Tango written by Francisco Brancatti and composed by Juan Rodríguez.
“Mandria,” a profound and stirring tango, narrates a tale of betrayal and confrontation. The lyrics reveal a man who is addressing someone who has betrayed him by becoming involved with a woman whom the speaker has sheltered in his ranch. The man is prepared to fight, suggesting a duel, because the pride and the traditional male code of honor demand that he must defend his dignity and resolve the situation. He articulates this challenge using the symbolic act of loaning his knife, choosing the field for the duel, and expressing readiness to face the situation without cowardice.
The most striking symbol in “Mandria” is the poncho and the knife, both of which are emblematic of gaucho culture in Argentina, symbolizing the rustic lifestyle and the readiness to face life’s challenges, including conflicts of honor. The mention of the ‘rebenque’ (a type of whip used by gauchos) emphasizes self-reliance and preparedness. ‘Mandria’ here is not just used in its typical sense meaning ‘sloth’ or ‘laziness’ but indicates cowardice and deceit, contrasting sharply with the narrator’s representation of himself as honorable and straightforward.
The tango “Mandria” was created in 1957, a time when Argentine society was undergoing significant transitions, with the fall of Perón and the subsequent military coup leading to societal reflections on values like loyalty and honor. Tango music, often a reflection of social sentiments, here delves into personal integrity and courage, which mirrored larger societal questions about moral behavior and justice. The setting, likely rural Argentina, where traditional values held sway more strongly, adds depth to the narrative of personal courage and honor.
Francisco Brancatti was an influential lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, known for his deeply evocative and often poignant lyrics.