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.
Oro muerto (Jirón porteño) is a Tango written by Juan Raggi and composed by Julio Navarrine.
The lyrics of “Oro muerto (Jirón porteño)” paint a vivid picture of life in the conventillos (tenement houses) of Buenos Aires around the mid-20th century. The song revolves around the joyful yet superficial aspects of life, focusing particularly on the festive scenes where people temporarily forget their daily struggles through dance and superficial adornments. Each line is a brush stroke illustrating the lively yet poignant existence within these communal dwellings, showcasing the inhabitants’ efforts to maintain a semblance of glamour and romance amidst economic hardship.
The title itself, “Oro muerto (Jirón porteño)”, translates to “Dead Gold (Piece of Buenos Aires)”, suggesting a facade of wealth or happiness that is essentially lifeless or valueless beneath the surface. The lyrics make extensive use of metaphorical language, such as “conventillo luce su traje de etiqueta,” implying how the tenement dressed up like it’s in formal attire, symbolizing how people cover their dilapidated conditions with a facade of celebration. The description of residents dressing up and engaging in tango reflects a striving for dignity and beauty despite the harsh realities of their surroundings. The tango itself, a dance that historically emerged from poorer suburbs, symbolizes both a literal and metaphorical dance of life, a mixture of grace and struggle.
Created in the post-World War II era, “Oro muerto (Jirón porteño)” reflects the socio-economic conditions of Buenos Aires in 1946. This period was marked by significant political and social changes in Argentina, with Juan Domingo Perón coming into power in 1946. The tango captures the essence of Buenos Aires’ urban culture, particularly the lives of the working class and the urban poor. The narrative set in a tenement shows both the communal spirit and the individual dreams festering in the city’s underbelly. This particular period in Argentine history, rife with political fervor and economic shifts, influences the tone of resilience and fleeting escapism depicted in the song.
Juan Raggi was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the genre of tango, capturing the essence and soul of Buenos Aires through his poignant lyrics.