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.
Muchacho is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Edgardo Donato.
“Muchacho” reflects on the life of a young man of wealth, contrasting his luxurious, carefree lifestyle with the more heartfelt, often struggling existence of those in the less affluent sectors of society. The lyrics ponder whether true emotions and beauty—those derived from struggles, simple pleasures, and the rawness of life—are ever genuinely experienced by someone who has everything handed to them. Celedonio Flores uses the rich imagery of Argentine culture, particularly focusing on emotions stirred by love, tango music, and the vibrant life of the working class.
The lyricist employs sharp contrasts between the opulent life of the ‘muchacho’ and the passionate depth found in the struggles of daily life among the common folk. Symbolism is evident in phrases like “no te llora el alma cuando gime un bandoneón,” suggesting that the young man’s soul does not weep with the melodious cries of the bandoneon, a key instrument in tango music, reflecting a disconnect from his cultural roots and emotions. Light and environment evoke further symbolism; for instance, the imagery of “la luz de la Luna” and “un farol” (the moonlight and a streetlamp) highlights moments of introspection and romantic encounters that are profound yet ordinary.
Created in 1940 in Argentina, a time when Tango music was intricately intertwined with the national identity, “Muchacho” not only captures the essence of the urban landscape but also serves as a social commentary. This period marked a complex time in Argentine history, characterized by political shifts and the emergence of the working class’s voice through cultural expressions like tango. The lyrics subtly critique societal disparities, using the tango’s melancholic, soul-stirring capacities to contrast different social realities.
Celedonio Flores was an influential Argentine poet and tango lyricist, renowned for weaving intricate narratives that vividly capture the socio-cultural tapestry of early 20th-century Buenos Aires.