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.
Tierra negra is a Tango written by Francisco Bastardi and composed by Juan Noli Y Graciano De Leone.
The tango “Tierra negra” portrays the life of a humble street vendor who travels through neighborhoods selling soil and mulch, essential for gardening. The lyrics take us through his daily journey, not just as a vendor of earthly materials but also as a carrier of love and joy. As he moves, he sings out his ‘pregón’ — a call out to customers that is traditional among street vendors in many Latin American cultures. This song embodies his life philosophy, emphasizing the significance of living fully, enjoying simple moments, and embracing love and laughter, reflecting the underpinnings of Tango music itself.
The title “Tierra negra” or “black earth” itself is powerfully symbolic, representing fertility and the nurturing aspect of nature, which is essential for growth and life. In the lyrics, the soil does not merely enhance the physical flowers but is also emblematic of invigorating life itself. Phrases like “nutre las plantas y aroma las flores” and “nutre las ansias de algún corazón” juxtapose nurturing plants and nurturing hearts, suggesting emotional and spiritual growth. Furthermore, the repeated conclusion to laugh “¡reír!… ¡reír!” underlines the ultimate liberation and joy that come from accepting life’s cycle — growth, bloom, and inevitable decay.
Composed in 1959, during a period where Argentina was experiencing significant political and social changes, “Tierra negra” reflects an era where cultural expressions were potent with sentiments of common folk. Buenos Aires, often a focal point in Tango music, during this time was a melting pot of rural immigrants and urban developments, influencing tangos to include themes of displacement, love, and resilience. The vendor’s pregón holds not just a call for commerce but an echo of the broader working-class narrative of finding strength and joy amidst everyday struggles.
Francisco Bastardi was an Argentine lyricist renowned for his contributions to Tango, capturing the essence and soul of typical Buenos Aires life through his poignant lyrics.