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” translates to “Boys, the round begins,” setting a communal and inviting mood at the outset. This opening line depicts an image of friends gathering to dance the tango, highlighting the significance of dance as a social activity in Argentine culture. The lyrics encourage people to join in and embrace the music and dance as a form of emotional expression and relief.
The tango features symbols laden with nostalgia, such as “el chambergo bien gris” (the nice gray hat) and “el farol de arrabal” (the streetlight of the suburbs), which conjure images of old Buenos Aires, portraying a romanticized view of the past. These symbols evoke memory and sentiment, suggesting a longing for simpler, perhaps happier times indicated by phrases like “imaginemos hoy vivir el tiempo de antes” (let’s imagine living in the old times today). Furthermore, the tango itself represents both a literal and metaphorical dance, weaving together melody and life’s emotions into harmonious synchrony.
The tango was recorded in 1943, during a tumultuous period of Argentine history characterized by political instability and the infancy of Juan Domingo Perón’s political career that would soon lead to his presidency. “Muchachos comienza la ronda,” within this context, can be seen as a recourse to cultural identity and traditional values through the powerful, proud vehicle of tango music, which itself is deeply woven into the socio-cultural fabric of Argentina. By invoking this collective dance, Díaz Vélez may be subtly reinforcing a sense of community and shared heritage among his listeners.
Leopoldo Díaz Vélez was a prominent lyricist in Argentina, known for his contributions to the tango genre.