Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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Orchestra
Singer
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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.
Un tango guapo is a Tango written by Roberto Jorge Del Pino and composed by Oscar Roma.
The lyrics of “Un tango guapo” reminisce about the youth and vigor of the early 1900s, reflecting on moments lived with daring and passion within the neighborhood or ‘arrabal’. The singer recalls his younger days, where the confidence and rebellious spirit were embodied through the dance of tango, which was then a current of strength and boldness in the culture of Buenos Aires. The narrative captures an evocative picture of dancing with a loved one and a challenging confrontation that marks a memorable night, emphasizing the intimacy and personal stakes often found in traditional tango themes.
“Un tango guapo” symbolically represents more than just a dance; it encapsulates an era of pride and personal honor. The term “guapo” in this context denotes more than just handsomeness; it reflects bravery and respectability in the old Argentine sense. Phrases like “Me juego entero” (I bet it all) and “jugar la vida” (play with life) convey the high stakes and the gambles taken in life, whether for love or honor. The clash with “el Vasquito,” known locally as a formidable figure, underscores the challenge and risk involved in upholding one’s name. Ultimately, the lament that the tango is no longer as “guapo” as before reflects a deep sense of nostalgia and a critique of contemporary changes in cultural expressions and values.
Recorded in 1942, a period marked by global upheaval due to World War II, “Un tango guapo” may also reflect a sense of looking back to a simpler, although not necessarily easier, time in the Argentine past. The reference to “El tambito,” possibly a local dance hall or gathering place, anchors the song in specific social contexts of meeting and confrontation, which were integral to the culture of tango. Tango itself, a dance that emerged from the lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, often carried themes of conflict, passion, and identity, which are vividly reflected in this piece.
Roberto Jorge Del Pino was a prominent Argentine lyricist known for capturing the spirit and complexities of urban life and tango culture in his works.