Salzanitos
Juan Carlos Baglietto
The Trumpet's Legacy: A Father's Dream for His Children
In the song "Salzanitos" by Juan Carlos Baglietto, the artist paints a vivid picture of a father's aspirations for his children. The father insists that his children will become trumpet players, rejecting conventional professions like surgeons, architects, or bankers. This choice symbolizes a desire for a life filled with creativity, passion, and artistic expression rather than the mundane or materialistic pursuits often associated with those professions.
The father envisions a life where his children are immersed in music from a young age, with musical notes replacing traditional gifts in their shoes. He provides them with tools and experiences that nurture their musical talents, such as calendars with horses and tickling devices, which could symbolize the playful and imaginative nature of their upbringing. The father also introduces them to the divine and the legendary Louis Armstrong, blending spirituality with musical greatness.
As the children grow, they are encouraged to live freely, embracing love and friendships while holding onto their trumpets as a symbol of their identity and passion. The father emphasizes the importance of never pawning their trumpets, highlighting the instrument's significance as a core part of who they are. He even imagines their future, where they write "bis" (encore) in restrooms, a playful nod to their dedication to music.
In his testament, the father leaves his children a repertoire of sadness, to be used sparingly, and instructs them to celebrate his life with music at his funeral. He advises them to wear red jackets and scarves, a colorful and warm gesture in the cold, love-filled cemetery. This final act of love underscores the deep bond between the father and his children, rooted in their shared love for music and the trumpet.