Virgen de la serrania by Ángel Gatti

Virgen de la serrania is a Tango written by Ángel Gatti and composed by Osvaldo Donato.

Story behind the Tango Virgen de la serrania

The lyrics of “Virgen de la serrania” encapsulate a fantastical journey described through dance, love, and celestial imagery. The opening lines invite us to dance and dream of love in the most splendid century, suggesting a timeless, universal quality of human connection that transcends specific moments or generations. The reference to singing towards the sky positions the song itself as a medium of transcendence, while describing the moon as a “cotton boat” adds to the dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere established.

Symbolism of Virgen de la serrania

The repeated references to the color blue and the elements of the sky and moon carry significant symbolic weight, evoking feelings of peace, infinity, and a sense of journey. The metaphorical depiction of the moon as a “cotton boat” suggests purity and softness, supporting the theme of a gentle, serene exploration of love. Furthermore, the mention of God and fortune underlines a spiritual dimension to this journey, suggesting that love is not just a personal or romantic quest, but also a divine and fateful experience.

Virgen de la serrania in historic Context

Recorded in 1966 during a culturally rich period in Argentina, “Virgen de la serrania” reflects a time of significant musical experimentation and expression. The optimism and explorative spirit in the lyrics could be reflecting the broader societal mood of progression and idealism of the 1960s, where traditional forms like Tango were being infused with new and creative ideas and lyrical content that explored beyond the typical themes of nostalgia and melancholy.

Ángel Gatti

Ángel Gatti is recognized as a notable Argentine tango musician, whose contributions to the genre include both compositions and lyrics that often blend traditional tango elements with broader, more universal themes.