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Normiña

Normiña is a Tango written by Eduardo Armani and recorded by Osvaldo Fresedo in 1926. Osvaldo Fresedo has recorded Normiña as an instrumental Tango.
“Normiña,” or “Little Norma” in English, is a tender homage to a cherished spirit. The name conjures images of delicate grace and enduring warmth, as if in every note, a story of gentle strength unfolds. Through its melodies, “Normiña” becomes a dance of nostalgia, weaving tales of love and longing with an intimate, heartfelt embrace.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Fresedo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Capone

Author

Eduardo Armani

Composer

1926/12/7

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Osvaldo Fresedo
Osvaldo Fresedo

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Normiña recorded by other Orchestras

Normiña recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Normiña

Normiña papusa,
pebeta taquera,
milonga debute que fuiste
flor de fábrica en Chiclana;
yo te desconozco,
no sos como antes,
la muchacha linda y alegre
con un cielo de amor en las orejas.

El barrio aquel
ya te olvidó
y si volvés
es sin amor
porque el placer
ya se esfumó
y tu virtud
se disipó.

Quién sabe qué pena
te sacude, brava,
tal vez el brujo recuerdo
del cariño sincero de tata,
el pobre viejito
que borracho anda
buscando de Normiña olvido
para sus penas y para tu crueldad.

English lyrics of the Tango "Normiña"

Normiña, cute doll,
skillful young girl,
tango debutant who was
the flower of the factory on Chiclana;
I don’t recognize you,
you’re not the same,
the lovely, cheerful girl
with a sky of love in her ears.

That neighborhood
has forgotten you,
and if you return
it’s without love
because the pleasure
has now vanished
and your virtue
has dissipated.

Who knows what sorrow
shakes you, fierce one,
perhaps the haunting memory
of the sincere affection from dad,
the poor old man
who wanders drunk,
seeking to forget Normiña
to soothe his woes and your cruelty.

Normiña by Francisco Capone

Normiña is a Tango written by Francisco Capone and composed by Eduardo Armani.


Story behind the Tango Normiña

“Normiña” tells the tale of a woman who has drifted away from her innocent past, becoming unrecognizable to the narrator who once knew her as a joyful and simple girl, symbolized by her being a “flower of the factory in Chiclana.” As the lyrics unfold, the narrator expresses a mix of nostalgia and disappointment towards this change, reflecting a common theme in tango of loss and transformation. The song portrays Normiña’s transformation from a beloved local figure to someone who has lost her virtue and appeal, suggesting a journey influenced by harsh life circumstances.


Symbolism of Normiña

“Normiña papusa” begins the song with endearing terms, hinting at a special regard for her, but later terms like “flor de fábrica en Chiclana” use specific imagery to anchor her in the local, industrial setting of Chiclana, emphasizing her roots and the original simplicity and beauty she possessed. This contrast reveals a deeper commentary on the inevitable changes imposed by time and life’s hardships. Additionally, the recurring mention of “el barrio” symbolizes a collective memory and identity that once accepted and cherished her but now feels alienated from her current state.


Normiña in historical context

The Tango “Normiña” was created in 1926, a period when Buenos Aires was undergoing significant transformations with the influx of European immigrants and rapid urbanization. This context is critical in understanding the nostalgic tone of the lyrics, reflecting a yearning for the simpler, more communal past that is being replaced by a more detached, harsh urban reality. The specific reference to Chiclana, a known locality, adds authenticity and relatability to the song, portraying the social changes occurring in these neighborhoods.


Francisco Capone

Francisco Capone was an influential Tango lyricist known for his poignant storytelling through music.