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.
Petitero is a Tango written by Aldo Cammarota y Armando Libreto (Dicasolo, Delfor) and composed by Santos Lipesker.
The lyrics of “Petitero” paint the detailed picture of a young man from Buenos Aires, dressed in a fashionable manner that seems to extend beyond his means. The term “petitero” often refers to someone from the lower or middle class who tries to appear wealthier or more distinguished than they really are, through stylish attire or mannerisms. The specific references to locations like Callao and Santa Fe, popular streets in Buenos Aires, anchor the character in a cosmopolitan arena, yet contrastingly, it’s noted he lives far from the center, emphasizing his dual existence straddling different societal domains.
The tango uses vivid imagery and sartorial details to critique social posing and the pretense of fashion. Clothes like “sweaters,” “tailored suits,” and “moccassin shoes” symbolize a superficial embracing of modernity and western trends, which hints at a deeper cultural colonization. Phrases such as “you think I do not know that you live far from the center” further delve into the theme of identity and the facade people maintain to blend into higher social circles. The reference to enjoying coffee with cream casually on trendy boulevards, while being mocked by others, represents a societal divide and the character’s oblivious attitude towards it.
The tango was recorded in 1956, a time when Buenos Aires was rapidly modernizing while grappling with cultural shifts and economic discrepancies. During this era, tango often reflected societal narratives, and “Petitero” serves as a socio-cultural critique voiced through the bustling street life of Buenos Aires. Through the juxtaposition of glitzy appearances and modest backgrounds, the tango subtly comments on post-war societal aspirations and the charades often employed to navigate social mobility in an era of significant social stratification.
Aldo Cammarota and Armando Libreto, known in the arts as Dicasolo and Delfor, were notable figures in the Tango scene, often praised for their keen observations of Argentine society which they adeptly wove into their lyrics.