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.
Negra María is a Tango written by Homero Manzi and composed by Lucio Demare.
The lyrics of “Negra María” narrate the poignant, bittersweet life of María, from her hopeful beginnings to her untimely demise. The narrative is framed by her birth and death occurring around Carnival, a time of festivity and celebration, which contrasts sharply with the themes of fate and mourning depicted in the song. María, born with promise and the anticipation of joyful celebrations, is given festive attire as a child, dreamily awaiting her fifteenth birthday—a milestone she never reaches. The recurring phrase “Negra María” not only refers to her name but also likely her Afro-descendant heritage, hinting at a deeper cultural identity. The use of the word “Negra” also parallels the dark and tragic turn her life takes.
The symbolic imagery in the lyrics is rich and poignant. María’s life, symbolized through the clothes—from a white dress signifying innocence and celebration to a long, dark garment indicating her untimely mourning—represents the unfulfilled transition from childhood to womanhood. The phrase “te lloraremos, Negra María” transitions from a call during festivities to a mournful chant at her passing. The evocation of Carnival, a symbol of life’s vibrancy and color, encapsulates the irony of her birth and death occurring in such a context, emphasizing the unpredictable turns of life.
“Negra María” was created in 1941 by Homero Manzi, a period in Argentina marked by political changes and the rise of artistic expressions that intertwined with national identity. The Tango, inherently an expression of the deeper currents within the Argentinian psyche, often explored themes of despair, nostalgia, and passion. The historical context of this period also saw the influential rise of folklore and Tango was evolving as a space for communicating the social narratives of the underrepresented. “Negra María” embraces this evolution by incorporating the melancholic reality of the Afro-Argentinian community, hinted at through its lyrical and musical lamentation. This piece not only reflects a personal tragedy but also subtly comments on broader social issues.
Homero Manzi was a pivotal figure in Argentinian culture, particularly renowned for his profound and evocative tango lyrics.