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.
Milonga en rojo is a Tango written by José González Castillo and composed by Roberto Fugazot.
“Milonga en rojo” centers around the vibrant yet often melancholic life in Argentina during the summer, specifically January. Described through the metaphor of sandía (watermelon), the lyrics blend everyday scenes with deeper emotional experiences. A vendor’s cries selling ripe watermelon slices symbolize fleeting youth and love, contrasting the harsh midday sun and the lethargy it brings. The poignant image of watermelon, both vibrant and ephemeral, mirrors human emotions and relationships.
The red color of the watermelon in the song symbolizes passion and intensity but also alludes to the deep cuts or emotional scars that love can leave, as suggested by the verses describing the young lover reminiscing about a past love. The act of cutting into the watermelon, exposing its red flesh, parallels exposing one’s deepest emotions and vulnerabilities in romantic pursuits. The refrain, “Sandia calada… Sandia colorada… Jugosas…! Para las mozas enamoradas…!” emphasizes this connection between the fruit’s freshness and its appeal to the romantic youths.
Written during the early 1940s in Argentina, “Milonga en rojo” captures a period where traditional values and modern sentiments were in a state of flux. The song’s nostalgic tone and setting reflect a society clinging to pastoral images and simpler times amidst increasing urbanization and the complexities of modern love. The lyrics reflect both a celebration and a lamentation of these changing dynamics, giving voice to the common man whose life revolves around such simple yet profound experiences.
José González Castillo was an influential Argentine playwright, poet, and tango lyricist known for his contributions to the cultural landscape of early 20th-century Argentina.