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.
Melodía de arrabal is a Tango written by Alfredo Le Pera and composed by Carlos Gardel.
Melodía de arrabal” captures the essence of the suburban and working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, reflecting their nightly ambiance under the moonlight and the sounds of milonga. The lyrics describe the intimate and humble fortunes of these neighborhoods, where the local culture and sentiments are expressed through simple yet profound elements like music and dance, evident in the presence of a “fueye” (bandoneon) and the street environment (“cortada mistonga”). A prominent figure in this scene is a young woman (“pebeta”), evoking a sense of youthful hope and beauty amidst the urban setting, waiting under the calmness of a streetlamp.
The recurring mention of the barrio with a “soul of a sentimental sparrow” highlights a community vibrant with emotions and stories, yet carrying a sense of melancholy with “tears” and “pleas” woven into its daily fabric. The imagery of the neighborhood as a living entity capable of feeling sorrow and nostalgia symbolizes the deep connection between the residents and their environment, each corner and street recalling personal memories and collective identities. Phrases like “que al rodar en tu empedrao es un beso prolongao que te da mi corazón” depict the profound love and attachment the narrator holds for the barrio, likening tears shed on its cobblestones to a kiss given to the heart of the neighborhood.
Composed and performed in the mid-20th century, “Melodía de arrabal” reflects the cultural backdrop of Argentina during a time when Tango was a dominant aspect of national identity and artistic expression. This period was marked by societal transformations and a nostalgic remembrance of simpler times amidst rapid urbanization and social changes. The lyrics not only depict the physicality of the arrabal (suburb) but also embody the emotional tapestry of its inhabitants, their struggles, passions, and joys, making it a resonant piece that speaks to the feeling of longing and belonging.
Alfredo Le Pera was an influential lyricist and journalist, best known for his collaborations with Carlos Gardel, which significantly impacted the world of Tango.