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.
Muchachos comienza la ronda is a Tango written by Leopoldo Díaz Vélez and composed by Luis Porcell.
“Muchachos comienza la ronda,” translated to English as “Boys, the round begins,” is not only an invitation to dance but also a call to relive the joy and communal spirit of a shared musical experience. This tango evokes the lively atmosphere of an Argentine milonga where people gather to dance. The lyrics project an image of an era where dancing tangos in local salons was both a leisure and a spirited social interaction. It draws listeners in by emphasizing the transformative power of the tango’s rhythm and melody, which turns mundane life into vibrant, joyful moments.
The tango uses vivid imagery and symbolism to evoke a sense of nostalgia and communal happiness. Phrases like “ese tiempo feliz” (that happy time) and “el farol de arrabal” (the streetlight of the suburb) are laden with nostalgia, hinting at a romanticized past viewed through the lens of fond memory. The “chambergo bien gris” (very gray hat) and “el piropo locuaz” (the eloquent compliment) symbolize traditional Buenos Aires, embedding typical aspects of city culture during the early 20th century, notable for its stylized dress and charming mannerisms.
Recorded in 1943, amid a world engulfed by World War II, “Muchachos comienza la ronda” emerges from Argentina, a nation distant from the primary conflicts but experiencing its own political and social upheavals. During this era, tango music often served as a collective emotional outlet and a form of escapism. Through its narrative and rhythmic expression, the tango provided a space for people to hold on to a sense of normalcy and cultural identity in tumultuous times. The gatherings in milongas and salons thus became not just an entertainment but also a vital part of maintaining Argentinian cultural heritage and community solidarity.
Leopoldo Díaz Vélez, the lyricist of “Muchachos comienza la ronda,” was an influential figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for his poignant and emotive lyrics that often captured the spirit and struggles of the common people in Buenos Aires.