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 lyrics “Por qué” pose existential inquiries about identity and authenticity. The protagonist, embodied in the song’s narrative as Tango itself, confronts changes being imposed on its core character. It fears losing its essence, symbolized by references to traditional clothes like “mi pilcha ‘e varón” (my manly attire), representing the traditional garb associated with Tango’s masculine and raw roots. These changes stir an inner conflict, reflecting a lament over lost purity and genuineness, asking repeatedly “Por qué” — “Why” must there be changes when the soul of Tango is already rich and authentic?
The repeated question “Por qué” and references to garments and adornments symbolize deeper societal changes, such as modernization and the loss of traditional values. Tango, being an expressive and strong cultural symbol in Argentina, is portrayed as resisting these embellishments like “tanto trenzao” (so much braiding) which are not aligned with its true nature. The lyrics lament a transformation that seems more superficial and external, contrasting with the deep, emotional, and somewhat ‘macho’ essence of Tango. The song conveys a message about the importance of staying true to one’s roots and authenticity in the face of modern and potentially alienating changes.
Written in post-war Argentina in 1955, “Por qué” emerged during a time when cultural identity was undergoing significant shifts. This period was marked by contrasting movements towards both modernization and the revitalization of traditional values. The Tango, historically linked to the working class and its struggles, faced a metamorphosis into a more commercialized art form. The push and pull between maintaining the pure essence of Tango as a grassroots expression versus adapting it to fit a more global, polished stage can be perceived in the concerns voiced in the song.
Emilio Fresedo, a notable figure in the Tango world, was a prolific lyricist known for capturing the soul and sentiment of early 20th century Buenos Aires.