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.
Plata is a Tango written by Aldo Queirolo and composed by Roberto Morel.
‘Plata,’ which translates to ‘Silver’ or ‘Money’ in English, is a poetic exploration by Aldo Queirolo that dives deep into the struggles and disillusionment associated with the pursuit of wealth. The lyrics poignantly capture the loneliness and emptiness that often accompanies material wealth without the presence of true love or emotional fulfillment. Queirolo uses ‘plata’ not just in its literal sense but as a metaphor for the cold, hard allure of money that, while capable of buying comfort and luxuries, cannot purchase genuine emotions or relationships.
The repeated personification of ‘plata’ throughout the tango underscores its pervasive influence and control over human life, portraying it almost like a powerful entity that dictates human actions and desires. The phrase “la plata es la sangre de la sociedad” or “money is the blood of society” vividly symbolizes money’s essential yet potentially corrupting role within human communities. Moreover, the depiction of an unfulfilled life despite material success – highlighted by the line “sos un muerto en vida” or “you are a living dead” – reflects the hollow victory that monetary gain often represents.
Released in 1957, a period of significant political and social change in Argentina, ‘Plata’ captures the essence of societal attitudes towards wealth and materialism. The mid-20th century in Argentina was marked by economic fluctuations and a growing disparity between the wealthy and the poor. This tango, by focusing on the futility of material wealth without love or moral satisfaction, perhaps serves as a critique of the rampant materialism and moral decay perceived during this era. Additionally, it resonates with the universal and timeless theme of the spiritual emptiness that often accompanies the blind pursuit of wealth.
Aldo Queirolo was an insightful lyricist whose works often delved into the socio-emotional landscapes of his time, revealing deeper truths under the veneer of everyday struggles.