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.
Negro is a Tango written by Víctor Soliño and composed by Adolfo Mondino.
The lyrics of “Negro” paint a narrative of poignant emotional turmoil coupled with nostalgic longing. Originally performed in bustling Argentina, this tango tells a story of profound love and regret. The speaker reminisces about a life of joy and love in their modest home, symbolized as a “nest of love.” However, influenced by what is referred to as “bad advice,” a grave mistake is made – the abandonment of their beloved. This leads to a life overwhelmed by sorrow and regret, where the speaker expresses a desperate yearning to return to those moments of affection and intimacy with their partner, affectionately referred to as “Negro.”
The term “Negro,” translated to “Black” in English, goes beyond a mere identifier in the tango; it represents deep affection and intimacy, potentially hinting at the physical or spiritual qualities of the beloved. The repeated fervent pleas to “Negro,” filled with desire to love eternally and never lose the passion they once had, use the name symbolically to encapsulate all the joy and love the speaker yearns to reclaim. The juxtaposition of the joyful past and the sorrowful present showcases the intensity of the protagonist’s feelings, highlighting how one pivotal decision can tarnish a joyous life and turn it into one of regret and yearning.
“Negro” was written in 1926, a time when tango had rooted itself deeply in the cultural fabric of Argentina. During this era, tango was not just a dance or musical genre but a narrative medium that reflected the complexities of relationships and societal tensions. The personal narrative in “Negro,” reflecting deep emotional loss and regret, could also be seen as reflective of the broader social experiences of separation and alienation common during this period in urban Argentina. The tango could have resonated strongly with audiences who experienced similar emotional turmoil during the rapidly changing society of the early 20th century.
Víctor Soliño was an influential Uruguayan lyricist and composer known for his contributions to the tango genre, partnering often with notable composers to create works that resonated widely across South America.