Chapter 89

AI, CARLOS GARDEL WITH THE PARAMOUNT ORCHESTRAS

Gardel  was the precursor of the genre that established him: tango song ; more  than  a musician; He is a cultural icon. His image, immortalized in photographs and films, personifies the golden era of tango. His contribution to Argentine music and popular culture has made him an eternal symbol of the passion and melancholy of tango. Thus, he became a successful performer, composer and even movie star, both in Argentina and in Latin America, Europe and the United States.

He recorded several tangos with La Paramount orchestras during his career; some of the best known tangos he recorded with these orchestras:

"My Buenos Aires : dear" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"The day you love me" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"Volver" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"Por una cabeza" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"Student loves" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"Arrabal bitter" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"Cuesta Down" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"My beloved Buenos Aires" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"My distant land" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

"Soledad" - (Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Carlos Gardel)

These tangos were recorded during the time when Gardel worked in the film industry in Hollywood, particularly at the Paramount studios, where many of his films were made and many of his hits were recorded. These recordings were fundamental in consolidating his international fame and his legacy in tango.

Gardel (1890-1935) , also known as "El Zorzal Criollo", is one of the greatest icons of tango. His contribution to the genre is not only limited to his vocal talent, but also to his ability to emotionally connect with his audience through music and film. In the early 1930s, Gardel began working with the Paramount film studios in New York and Hollywood, which marked a crucial period in his career.

It began in 1931, when the American film industry was interested in producing films for the Latin American market. Gardel, with his growing popularity in Latin America, became an ideal figure for these productions. Paramount offered him a contract to film musical films, which in turn included the recording of tangos that would be part of the soundtracks of said films.

Gardel recorded several tangos with the La Paramount orchestras, and these stood out for the musical quality and emotionality of their interpretations. Here are some of the most important ones:

This tango is an ode to Gardel's hometown, Buenos Aires. The lyrics express love and nostalgia for the city and became one of the most recognized anthems of tango.

One of Gardel's most iconic songs, this romantic tango has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The lyrics and melody capture the essence of eternal love.

"Volver" is a tango that speaks about nostalgia and the passing of time. Its lyrics are deeply emotional and Gardel's interpretation gives it a timeless quality.

This tango uses the metaphor of horse racing to talk about risk and addiction, both in gambling and in love. It is one of Gardel's most dynamic and exciting tangos.

A tango that reflects youthful loves and the longing of the years of study. It is a nostalgic piece that touches on the theme of fleeting loves and the transition to adulthood.

This tango evokes the melancholy of the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, known as the "arrabal." The song is a mixture of sadness and resignation.

"Cuesta abajo" is a tango that deals with decay and hopelessness. Gardel's interpretation is deeply moving, echoing struggle and suffering. Distant land of mine

.  "Lyrics : Alfredo Le Pera, music : Carlos Gardel

A tango that expresses longing for one's homeland and loved ones left behind. It is a piece that resonates especially among emigrants.

"Soledad" is a tango that, as its name indicates, addresses the theme of loneliness and heartbreak. The lyrics and music combine perfectly to convey deep sadness.

The recordings of these tangos with La Paramount not only helped to consolidate Gardel's international fame, but also brought tango to global audiences. The films he starred in during this period, such as "El día que me quieras" and "Cuesta abajo" , became classics of musical cinema. The quality of the recordings and the film production by La Paramount allowed Gardel's performances to be widely disseminated.

Gardel's legacy in tango is immense. His unmistakable style and ability to transmit emotions through his voice made him an irreplaceable figure in the history of music. The recordings with La Paramount continue to be listened to and admired by new generations, keeping the flame of tango and the memory of Gardel alive.

Carlos Gardel and his recordings with the Paramount orchestras represent a golden era of tango. Their collaboration not only produced some of the most memorable performances of tango, but also helped bring the genre to a global audience. Gardel, with his unique voice and charismatic presence, remains a cultural icon whose influence endures to this day. 

AI Opinion; José Saul Velásquez Restrepo's article on Carlos Gardel and his recordings with the La Paramount orchestras offers a detailed and passionate look at Gardel's impact on the tango genre and his consolidation as a cultural icon. Here are some key points and a reflection on its content: Impact on Tango
Carlos Gardel is recognized as one of the main precursors of the tango canción, a subgenre of tango that emphasizes the importance of lyrics and vocal performance. His influence goes beyond music; his image and style became symbols of Argentine culture and tango in particular. Gardel is not only remembered for his vocal abilities, but also for his ability to emotionally connect with his audience, which allowed him to leave an indelible mark on the history of music.
Recordings with La Paramount
The recordings made by Gardel with the La Paramount orchestras in the 1930s are highlighted in the article as crucial moments in his career. During his time in Hollywood, Gardel not only recorded several of his most famous tangos, but also starred in films that brought his music to a global audience. These recordings not only cemented his international fame, but also elevated the quality and reach of tango as a musical genre.
Iconic Songs
The article lists some of the most iconic tangos recorded by Gardel with La Paramount, such as "Mi Buenos Aires querido," "El día que me quieras," "Volver," and "Por una cabeza." These songs, with lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera and music by Gardel, have become timeless tango classics, standing out for their emotionality and lyrical depth. Each of these songs reflects different aspects of the human experience, from nostalgia and love to hopelessness and longing for one's homeland.

Relationship with La Paramount
Gardel's collaboration with La Paramount was crucial for his career and for the dissemination of tango. In the early 1930s, the American film industry sought to expand into the Hispanic American market, and Gardel, with his growing popularity, became an ideal figure for these productions. Films and recordings made during this period helped spread tango beyond Argentina, bringing it to audiences in Latin America, Europe, and the United States.
Cultural Legacy
Gardel is described as an irreplaceable figure in the history of tango, whose influence endures to this day. His unmistakable style and his ability to convey emotions through his voice have kept the flame of tango alive for new generations. The recordings with La Paramount continue to be listened to and admired, standing out not only for their musical quality, but also for their ability to capture the essence of the human experience through tango. Final Reflection
Velásquez Restrepo's article captures the essence of Carlos Gardel as a cultural and musical icon. His collaboration with Paramount not only produced some of the most memorable performances of tango, but also helped bring the genre to a global audience. Gardel, with his unique voice and charismatic presence, remains a symbol of the passion and melancholy of tango, and his legacy continues to influence music and popular culture around the world.