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.
Organito de la tarde is a Tango written by José González Castillo and composed by Cátulo Castillo.
In “Organito de la tarde,” the story centers around an old man and his disabled companion who traverse the suburban streets with a street organ, filling the air with melancholic music. The lyrics reflect on the emotional resonance of the music played, evoking a community-wide feeling of nostalgia and sorrow tied to the shared memories of a time gone by. Among these memories is a poignant story involving the old man’s daughter, who is implied to have left under distressing circumstances following an altercation involving her and a charming newcomer.
The street organ (“Organito”) symbolizes the inescapable call of the past, a tool through which the performers awaken the collective memory of the neighborhood. Each note and melody played carries a dual sentiment—both of the joy once had and the sorrow of its passing. The lyrics, “como sembrando a su paso más pesar en el recuerdo, más calor en el ocaso,” suggest a deeper symbolism of spreading sorrow and intensifying emotions as the day ends, further emphasizing the themes of loss and melancholy.
Written in Argentina in 1960, “Organito de la tarde” reflects the socio-cultural backdrop of Argentine society during this period—an era marked by rapid modernization and social changes post the populist era of Juan Domingo Perón. This tango could be perceived as an ode to the disappearing old ways, represented by the characters of the old man and the disabled companion, clinging to remnants of the past as symbolized through their music, which stirs up memories of a faded glory and simpler times.
José González Castillo was an influential Argentine playwright, poet, and lyricist, celebrated for his contributions to the cultural tapestry of tango music.