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.
NP (No place) is a Tango written by an unknown author and composed by Juan José Riverol.
The tango “NP (No place)” captures a story of devotion, disappointment, and perseverance through its vivid portrayal of the world of horse racing. The narrator recounts their experiences with a horse that consistently falls short in races, always ending in the unenviable position of “No Place.” Despite the horse’s repeated failures, the speaker remains committed, having invested not just in material terms, like buying a new blanket, but emotionally, by caretaking and hopeful anticipation.
The tango uses the imagery of horse racing—a sport rich with unpredictability and chance—to symbolize life’s challenges and the often elusive pursuit of success. The horse, never quite reaching the marker, embodies the struggle against setbacks and the resilience required to continue despite unfavorable odds. Key phrases such as “Siempre fuiste ‘No Placé'” and “No saldrás de perdedora” underscore themes of persistence and acceptance of inherent flaws or limitations. The use of terms such as “Desobediencia” adds depth, indicating hereditary traits that dictate one’s path or fate, suggesting the tension between nature and nurture.
Composed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the place and time add layers to the tango’s message. Buenos Aires, with its rich history in horse racing, presents a familiar backdrop to the local audience of the early 20th century, a period when tangos often explored themes of grit and urban struggle. Horse racing, a popular pastime, serves as a reflective surface for the community’s broader societal and personal competitions. The use of indigenous jargon within the racing context, like “la gilada” (the fools), captures the cultural nuances of Buenos Aires, highlighting the speaker’s engagement with local, everyday life.
Juan José Riverol was a noteworthy composer associated with the vibrant world of tango music in Buenos Aires, contributing significantly to the genre’s evolution and its emotional resonance.