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.
Santa milonguita is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Enrique Delfino.
The lyrics of “Santa milonguita” recount the poignant narrative of a woman with clear, large eyes that made others sigh, symbolizing her allure and initial innocence. She indulged in festivities, symbolized by her drinking champagne, yet there was a turning point where she aspired to reform, “to be good, good as bread.” However, due to circumstances, principally her economic and social status, she was unable to sustain this transformation and was drawn back into the cabaret life, reflecting a tragic attempt at personal redemption that fails due to harsh societal realities.
The title “Santa milonguita” itself carries deep symbolism, juxtaposing the idea of sainthood (“Santa”) with “milonguita,” a term associated with a woman frequenting milongas (Tango dance events), suggesting a conflicted identity. The recurring references to her eyes, “color verde mar” (sea-green color), emphasize a depth and perhaps a hint of desired tranquility or escape. Her brief and red lips, and the champagne, symbolize her indulgence and fleeting pleasures. Towards the end, the transformation from hopeful redemption to return to the cabaret underscores the cyclical trap of societal and economic constraints.
The creation and setting of “Santa milonguita” in Argentina, 1933, are significant. During this period, Argentina was grappling with the effects of the Great Depression, which influenced social and economic structures. The Tango, recorded mere days before Halloween of that year, captures the essence of societal suffering and resilience. The character’s struggle and return to the cabaret can be interpreted as a metaphor for the persistence of cultural and personal survival despite economic hardships. Here, Santa Milonguita’s efforts at redemption through love and her subsequent failure are reflective of the larger struggles faced by society at that time.
Enrique Cadícamo was a prominent Argentine tango lyricist, known for his profound and emotive compositions that often delved deep into the themes of love and socio-cultural elements of his time.