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.
Por qué is a Tango written by Emilio Fresedo and composed by Osvaldo Fresedo.
The tango “Por qué” expresses a poignant narrative of resistance against change and the betrayal of one’s origins. The lyrics lament the imposition of a façade that does not align with the speaker’s genuine essence, expressed through the metaphor of being asked to wear clothes that feel unnatural. The song is a dialogue with an unspecified “you” who demands these changes, questioning the reasons behind such demands. It highlights a conflict between authenticity and imposed external changes, urging for true self-expression.
The lyric “mi pilcha ‘e varón” symbolizes traditional manhood and the authentic self, which is deeply connected with the Argentine tango tradition. “Vestí de negro con funyi claro” uses clothing as a metaphor for identity, emphasizing the simplicity and purity of the past. The intrusiveness of “tantos trenzados” and the adornment represents the unnecessary complexities or modern embellishments that dilute or distort original intent. These symbols convey a resistance to losing one’s foundational identity amid external pressures to conform to a fancier, less authentic style.
Recorded in 1931, “Por qué” emerged during a period of significant cultural evolution in Argentina, where the intersection of traditional values and modern influences was pronounced. This era saw the urbanization and cosmopolitan development of Buenos Aires, wherein tango, originally a dance of the lower classes, was being transformed and commercialized. Thus, the song’s emphasis on maintaining the purity and original style of the tango can be seen as a nostalgic plea amidst rapid modernization and change, reflecting a wider societal tension between old and new.
Emilio Fresedo, an influential figure in the Argentine tango scene, contributed significantly to tango’s evolution, often infusing traditional compositions with new life and relevance.