And Another Passing

Mercedes Sosa, a national treasure in Argentina and much loved throughout South and Latin America is the latest of what seems to be a passing parade of greats. She died today in Buenos Aires.

Thanks to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me two beams of light, that when opened,
Can perfectly distinguish black from white
And in the sky above, her starry backdrop,
And from within the multitude
The one that I love.

Thanks to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me an ear that, in all of its width
Records— night and day—crickets and canaries,
Hammers and turbines and bricks and storms,
And the tender voice of my beloved.

Thanks to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me sound and the alphabet.
With them the words that I think and declare:
"Mother," "Friend," "Brother" and the light shining.
The route of the soul from which comes love.

Thanks to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me the ability to walk with my tired feet.
With them I have traversed cities and puddles
Valleys and deserts, mountains and plains.
And your house, your street and your patio.

Thanks to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me a heart, that causes my frame to shudder,
When I see the fruit of the human brain,
When I see good so far from bad,
When I see within the clarity of your eyes...

Thanks to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me laughter and it gave me longing.
With them I distinguish happiness and pain—
The two materials from which my songs are formed,
And your song, as well, which is the same song.
And everyone's song, which is my very song.

Thanks to life
Thanks to life
Thanks to life
Thanks to life

Violeta Parra

It seems the world becomes a less brighter place to often these days.

Many thanks to Soror for posting this wonderful performance on YouTube.

05 ottobre - Santa Faustina Kowalska

Mercoledi Musicale

Its been an on-going argument for the past century: Uruguay claims that tango was born in Montevideo where the distinctive style of music was composed*, while Argentina maintains it originated in the dance halls in the barrios of Buenos Aires. But for the moment the two countries are joining forces to petition UNESCO to grant tango world heritage status.

It was back in 1985 when the Tango Argentino troupe took New York by storm - what started off as a one week engagement at the City Center turned into a 200 performance run on Broadway. I recall how surprised I was, though most of the female dancers had that sultry look many of the male dancers were not the slim, sleek Spanish types I was expecting but stocky, middle-aged men. But once they began to dance they became the sexiest men on earth.

Tango Fire appears to be the same sort of dance troupe - if a little younger and better looking.


And if ever there was any doubt that the tango is about making love, just watch this couple.



* The world's most popular tango, La Cumparsita, was composed by Uruguayan Gerardo Matos Rodrígues 90 years ago and has spawned more than 2,500 variations. It became Uruguay's national hymn in 1998. And here it is, I find the bandoneons variations on this version particularly fun.



28 gennaio - San Tommaso d'Aquino