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.
Pregonera is a Tango written by José Rótulo and composed by Alfredo De Angelis.
“Pregonera” translates into English as “street vendor” or “crier,” often referring to someone who announces or sells goods publicly. The lyrics of “Pregonera” by José Rótulo paint the melancholic portrait of a flower seller, a young princess-like figure with blond, ivory-like hair, who roams the streets of Paris in April, crying out her wares. The narrative captures a fleeting encounter with this enchanting girl, whose presence and voice leave a lasting impact on the observer, intertwining themes of youthful idealism with the fading beauty both of the flowers and the girl’s voice over time.
The repeated references to specific flowers — roses and carnations — carry rich symbolism. The red rose, often associated with passionate love, mirrors the narrator’s intense feelings of desire. White carnations symbolize purity and innocence, enhancing the image of the girl as ethereal and almost unattainable. These floral metaphors are intertwined with feelings of nostalgia and lost youth, suggesting a longing not just for the girl but perhaps for the narrator’s own past. Furthermore, the use of “ivory” to describe the girl’s skin emphasizes her as almost a statuesque, otherworldly figure, anchoring the idea of unattainable beauty and fleeting encounters.
Written in 1961, “Pregonera” emerges during a vibrant period of Argentine tango history when the genre was undergoing both revival and transformation amidst social and political changes. This context is reflected in the nostalgic tone of the lyrics, possibly mirroring a societal longing for simpler times amidst the rapidly changing world. The setting in Paris, a city historically romanticized by artists globally, adds a layer of universal longing and romanticism, appealing to a broad audience by embedding a local Argentine narrative within a globally recognized landscape.
José Rótulo was an eminent figure in the world of Tango, known for his poignant lyrics that often encapsulated deep emotions and narratives reflective of human experiences.