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.
Potrero is a Tango written by Antonio Bergmann and composed by Santos Lípesker.
“Potrero” tells a poignant narrative centering around a local soccer field, which is a common ground where dreams and childhood memories intertwine with the reality of urban decay and the passing of time. The lyrics start with a transformation of an abandoned plot into a makeshift soccer field, detailed through a transaction and the hopeful yet makeshift redevelopment of the land. As the song progresses, this humble field becomes a memorable place where significant moments of youth and aspiration take place, emphasizing emotional attachment and local identity.
The term “Potrero” holds a deep significance in the context of the song, symbolizing more than just a physical location—it represents a gateway to nostalgia, dreams, and the innocence of youth characterized by playing soccer. Phrases like “Fuiste cuna de campeones” (You were a cradle of champions) and “Sensación de corazones” (Sensation of hearts) illustrate the field’s symbolic role as birthplace of passion and lifelong memories. Furthermore, references to the physical transformation of this space from a neglected land to a cherished playground, decorated with ribbons for games, symbolize how cherished and significant even the simplest places can become in our personal histories.
The timing of the song, written in 1948, is significant as it aligns with the post-World War II era, a time when Argentina, like much of the world, was undergoing significant social and economic changes. The song’s setting in a neighborhood soccer field reflects a formative period in Argentine culture when soccer was becoming not only a national pastime but also a pivotal element of local communities. This illustration of local identity and communal history through a neighborhood ‘potrero’ serves as a microcosm for the country’s larger national identity, highlighting a local, grassroots soccer culture that would eventually become world-renowned.
Antonio Bergmann was an essential figure in Argentine Tango, who captured the spirit of his times through music and lyrics that spoke deeply to the local culture and emotional landscape of Argentina.