From album
Almendra
Almendra · 1969
Details
TonalidadA
Compás4/4
Tempo136 BPM
Duración3:16
CompositorLuis Alberto Spinetta
ÁlbumAlmendra
Año1969
ISRCARF036900021
Credits
Music Luis Alberto Spinetta
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The story behind
When you immerse yourself in *Fermín*, the first song on the B-side of Almendra's debut album, you encounter a ballad that deviates from the conventional. Its structure is based on chords that play with dissonances, creating an ethereal atmosphere from the outset. The sound is enriched by the presence of an organ, played by Edelmiro Molinari, which adds an extra layer of depth to the piece. The main melody, evoking the sweetness of a lullaby, is nuanced by subtle dissonances that convey the inherent melancholy of the story told by the lyrics. The song's conclusion introduces a variation of the melody from *Mambrú se fue a la guerra* (Mambru went to war), but with a twist that replaces the word "war" with "life," leaving a sense of dignity.
The genesis of *Fermín* dates back to a shared idea between Luis Alberto Spinetta and Emilio del Guercio. It is said that the inspiration came from a child with Down syndrome, a neighbor to both in their childhood, who suffered abuse. The song's lyrics portray the story of Fermín, a person with a disability who is taken to a place where they will eventually die, but who maintains a deep longing for happiness, contrasting with the sadness they experience. This theme, along with other compositions on the album, was part of a crucial moment for Spanish-language rock in Argentina, defining a new form of musical expression. In 2009, Spinetta selected *Fermín* to perform at his historic concert, Spinetta y las Bandas Eternas (Spinetta and the Eternal Bands), demonstrating its enduring relevance. The album in which it is included, *Almendra I*, released in 1969, was recorded when Spinetta was only 19 years old and is considered a foundational milestone for Argentine "national rock."
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