Evaristo Carriego
Evaristo Carriego (1883-1912) was an Argentine poet known for his influence on tango lyrics and his lasting legacy captured in a biography by Jorge Luis Borges. His notable works include "Misas herejes" (1908) and "La canción del barrio". Carriego's memory is honored in the instrumental tango "A Evaristo Carriego", composed by Eduardo Rovira and recorded by Orquesta Osvaldo Pugliese. Despite his short life, Carriego made a significant impact on Argentine literature and culture.[1†][2†].
Early Years and Education
Evaristo Carriego, born on May 7, 1883, in Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina, emerged as a prominent literary figure during the posmodernismo movement in his country. His poetic endeavors left an indelible mark on Argentine literature, particularly through works such as “La canción del barrio” (1913), the drama “Los que pasan” (1912), and the narratives found in “Flor de arrabal” (1927)[2†].
From an early age, Carriego demonstrated a passion for journalism, contributing to the anarchist newspaper “La Protesta” and collaborating with “Caras y Caretas”. His cultural background and exposure to the vibrant Buenos Aires scene fueled his creativity and shaped his artistic sensibilities[2†][3†]. Despite his tragically short life, Carriego’s impact on Argentine letters remains enduring and profound[2†][1†].
Career Development and Achievements
Evaristo Carriego, born in Paraná on May 7, 1883, embarked on a literary journey that resonated deeply with the cultural fabric of Argentina. His poetic voice, often described as that of the “poet of the suburb”, captured the essence of humble lives and the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires[2†].
Carriego’s influence extended beyond poetry. His collaboration with anarchist newspapers, including “La Protesta”, showcased his commitment to social issues and his engagement with the pulse of the city. His journalistic endeavors allowed him to connect with the marginalized and express their struggles through his verses[2†][3†].
In 1908, Carriego published “Misas herejes” (Heretic Masses), a collection that explored themes of rebellion, spirituality, and the human condition. His poems resonated with readers, reflecting the raw emotions of the urban landscape. His work became a testament to the resilience of ordinary people, their joys, and their sorrows[2†][1†].
Tragically, Carriego’s life was cut short when he passed away in Buenos Aires on October 13, 1912. Despite his premature death, his legacy endured. Jorge Luis Borges, another luminary in Argentine literature, immortalized Carriego through a biography that delved into the poet’s soul and artistic journey[2†][1†].
Carriego’s impact on tango lyrics cannot be overstated. His poetic sensibilities infused the genre with authenticity, capturing the essence of Buenos Aires and its inhabitants. In homage to Carriego, Eduardo Rovira composed the instrumental tango “A Evaristo Carriego”, a melodic tribute that resonated across generations. Orquesta Osvaldo Pugliese’s recording of this tango in 1969 further solidified Carriego’s influence on Argentine music[2†][1†].
Carriego rests at the Cementerio de la Chacarita, his final resting place a testament to his enduring impact on Argentine culture and literature. His brief but intense life continues to inspire poets, musicians, and those who seek to understand the soul of Buenos Aires[2†][1†].
First Publication of His Main Works
Evaristo Carriego, born in Paraná on May 7, 1883, and later residing in Buenos Aires, left an indelible literary legacy. His poetic oeuvre, though brief, resonates with the spirit of the porteño suburb, capturing the starkness of life in the barrio. Let us delve into his main works, each a testament to his artistry and influence[1†].
- Misas herejes (1908): Co-authored with Leopoldo Lugones, this collection of poems delves into themes of religiosity, rebellion, and the human condition. Carriego’s verses evoke the raw emotions of the streets, infusing them with a spiritual fervor that challenges conventional norms. The title itself hints at the subversive nature of these poetic masses, which resonate with the arrabalero spirit[1†].
- Los que pasan (1912): A collection of poems that delves into the lives and emotions of ordinary people. It captures the essence of Buenos Aires' neighborhoods, portraying the struggles and joys of its inhabitants through poignant and evocative verses[2†].
- La canción del barrio (1913): Published in 1913, this work encapsulates the essence of the Buenos Aires slums. Carriego’s verses breathe life into the marginalized neighborhoods, celebrating their vibrancy, struggles, and resilience. Through vivid imagery, he paints a poignant picture of the barrio, capturing the pulse of everyday existence. His portrayal is both compassionate and unflinching, revealing the beauty and hardship of those often overlooked by society[1†][2†].
- Flor de arrabal (1927): Published posthumously, "Flor de arrabal" showcases Carriego's deep connection to the bohemian and often gritty life of Buenos Aires' lower-class districts. This collection of poems vividly depicts the romanticism and harsh realities of the arrabal, the outskirts of the city, highlighting Carriego's unique ability to find beauty in the mundane and the marginalized[2†].
Carriego’s poetic voice reverberates through time, bridging the gap between the mundane and the sublime. His works continue to inspire, inviting readers to explore the soul of Buenos Aires and the human experience itself[1†]. His legacy endures, immortalized not only in his verses but also in the tango rhythms that echo his spirit[1†][3†].
Analysis and Evaluation
Evaristo Carriego, born in Paraná on May 7, 1883, occupies a unique place in Argentine literature. His poetic voice resonates with the spirit of the porteño suburb, capturing the raw essence of life in Buenos Aires. Let us delve into an assessment of his work, exploring its style, influences, and lasting impact.
Carriego’s poetry reflects a fusion of Modernism and Baudelairian decadence. His verses evoke the starkness of the barrio, where everyday existence unfolds against a backdrop of urban grit. The criollo culture permeates his work, celebrating the vernacular, the marginalized, and the visceral. His language is both visceral and lyrical, bridging the mundane and the sublime. Borges, in his biography of Carriego, captures this essence, revealing the poet’s ability to distill Buenos Aires into poignant lines[4†][5†].
The influence of tango lyrics on Carriego’s poetry is palpable. Tango, with its emotional intensity and street-level narratives, found resonance in his verses. Carriego’s exploration of religiosity, rebellion, and the human condition mirrors the themes that echo through tango compositions. His words became a bridge between the arrabalero spirit and the dance halls of Buenos Aires[4†][1†].
Carriego’s legacy extends beyond his brief life. His works continue to inspire poets, musicians, and writers. His portrayal of the barrio, its struggles, and its vibrancy remains relevant. Through Carriego, readers glimpse the soul of Buenos Aires—the pulse of a city shaped by its people, their joys, and their sorrows. His impact on tango lyrics endures, as evidenced by Eduardo Rovira’s instrumental tango “A Evaristo Carriego”, recorded by Orquesta Osvaldo Pugliese in 1969[4†][1†].
In the broader literary landscape, Carriego’s significance lies in his organic approach to book writing. Unlike Borges, who often assembled individual pieces into collections, Carriego conceived his work as a cohesive whole. His commitment to portraying Buenos Aires authentically—its streets, its characters, its contradictions—shaped his legacy. Carriego’s influence transcends time, inviting readers to explore the city’s soul through his eyes[4†].
In summary, Evaristo Carriego’s poetic journey, though tragically short, remains etched in the annals of Argentine literature. His words echo through the cobblestone streets, inviting us to listen closely—to hear the heartbeat of Buenos Aires itself[4†].
Personal Life
Evaristo Carriego, born on May 7, 1883, in Paraná, Entre Ríos, embarked on a multifaceted journey that transcended his poetic endeavors. His early aspirations for a military career met with disappointment, leading him to embrace the bohemian life of a writer. Carriego frequented the cafes and journalistic circles, immersing himself in the vibrant literary scene of Buenos Aires. His close friendship with Jorge Luis Borges’s father, whose fame he presciently predicted even when Borges was a child, further enriched his social connections[2†].
Carriego found his poetic muse in the arrabal—the gritty outskirts of Buenos Aires. Here, he discovered the lyrical possibilities inherent in the archetypes that would form his personal and porteño mythology. His verses painted a vivid picture of guapos (street toughs), neighborhood cafes, and the ebb and flow of joy and sorrow among the residents. Through his work, Carriego captured an entire era, a specific geography, and the essence of human experience[2†][6†].
Tragically, Carriego’s life was cut short by appendicular peritonitis, and he passed away at the tender age of 29. His legacy endures as the “poet of the suburb”, the voice of humble people, and the chronicler of Palermo’s soul[2†][7†].
Conclusion and Legacy
Evaristo Carriego, though his life was tragically brief, left an indelible mark on Argentine literature and cultural history. His poetic voice resonates through the streets of Buenos Aires, capturing the essence of the arrabal—the gritty outskirts where life unfolded in all its rawness. Let us delve into the legacy of this remarkable poet.
Carriego’s verses immortalized the guapos—the street toughs—and the neighborhood cafes. His words painted a vivid tapestry of joy and sorrow, love and loss, resilience and vulnerability. Through his lens, the ordinary became extraordinary, and the mundane transformed into the sublime. His collection “La canción del barrio” stands as a testament to his ability to elevate the everyday experiences of the working class[6†].
Jorge Luis Borges, in his biography of Carriego, bestowed upon him the title of “poet of the suburb”. Carriego’s impact extended beyond the literary realm; he became woven into the fabric of Buenos Aires itself. His work resonated with the pulse of the city, capturing its soul and spirit. The famous instrumental tango “A Evaristo Carriego”, composed by Eduardo Rovira and recorded by Orquesta Osvaldo Pugliese, pays homage to this enduring influence[6†][1†].
Carriego’s untimely demise at the age of 29 robbed the world of a poetic luminary. Yet, his legacy persists—a beacon for future generations of writers, musicians, and dreamers. His words continue to echo through the cobblestone streets, inviting us to explore the depths of human experience, to celebrate the ordinary, and to find beauty in the overlooked corners of existence[6†][7†].
Key Information
- Also Known As: Evaristo Carriego
- Born: May 7, 1883, in Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina[1†][3†]
- Died: October 13, 1912, in Buenos Aires, Argentina[1†]
- Nationality: Argentine
- Occupation: Poet
- Notable Works: “Misas herejes” (1908), “La canción del barrio” (1913), “Los que pasan” (1912), “Flor de arrabal” (1927)[1†] 1[1†]
- Notable Achievements: Evaristo Carriego’s influence extended beyond poetry, significantly impacting the world of tango lyrics. His legacy endures through the famous instrumental tango “A Evaristo Carriego”, composed by Eduardo Rovira and recorded by Orquesta Osvaldo Pugliese in 1969[1†].
References and Citations:
- Wikipedia (English) - Evaristo Carriego [website] - link
- Biografías y Vidas - Biografia de Evaristo Carriego [website] - link
- Buscabiografias.com - Biografía de Evaristo Carriego (Su vida, historia, bio resumida) [website] - link
- JSTOR - "LAS VARIANTES RALEABAN": TWO DRAFTS OF "EVARISTO CARRIEGO" [website] - link
- University of Oregon Libraries - Borges: Time, Modernity, and Nostalgia in Evaristo Carriego [website] - link
- Todotango.com - Evaristo Carriego, un poeta arrabalero [website] - link
- Todotango.com - Evaristo Carriego, a poet for the outskirts [website] - link
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0; additional terms may apply.
Ondertexts® is a registered trademark of Ondertexts Foundation, a non-profit organization.