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.
Nyanzas y malevos (Barrio de guapos) is a Tango written by Pintín Castellanos and composed by Pintín Castellanos.
The tango “Nyanzas y malevos (Barrio de guapos)” paints a nostalgic picture of the Palermo neighborhood, once brimming with the quintessential figures of old Buenos Aires: the nyanzas (elegant ladies) and malevos (tough guys). The song expresses a deep longing for the past and the vibrant local culture of Palermo, a historic barrio known for its tales of bravery, tradition, and the boisterous lives of its inhabitants. Wrapped in sentimentality, the lyrics reveal a personal connection to the locale, juxtaposing memories of fervor with the serene lament of change over time.
The symbols in the song ‘Nyanzas y malevos (Barrio de guapos)’ are rich and evocative. “Evocación triste y sentimental” illustrates the sadness and sentimentality tied to reminiscing about the past. This emotional wave is associated with the “nyanzas” and “malevos,” symbolizing the bygone elegance and tough demeanor of Palermo’s residents. Meanwhile, the “facón” (a large knife) not only symbolizes self-defense and local justice but also speaks to a time when personal honor and bravery were paramount, a stark array to the perceived changes and losses in modern times. The refrain “Barrio, ¿Qué tenés? Que hacés vibrar mi corazón,” encapsulated as ‘Neighborhood, what is it about you that makes my heart tremble?’ highlights a profound, almost mystical connection to place, embodying the heart’s unyielding ties to its roots despite the relentless march of time.
Set against the backdrop of 1940s Argentina, “Nyanzas y malevos (Barrio de guapos)” emerges during a time of significant social and political changes. The period saw Buenos Aires evolving rapidly, with ever-increasing urbanization altering the very fabric of barrio life. Through Castellanos’ poignant lyrics, we witness a lament for the fading traditions of Palermo, reflecting a broader sense of loss felt by many porteños (residents of Buenos Aires) who perceived their culture as being slowly eclipsed by modernity. The song serves as a historical document, capturing the clash between the romanticism of the past and the realities of contemporary life, revealing deep-seated nostalgia for an era characterized by clearer codes of conduct and communal identity.
Pintín Castellanos was an Argentine tango musician and composer, known for his deep embodiment of the traditional tango spirit and his ability to capture the essence of Buenos Aires’ barrio life in his music.