Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
A la luz del candil is a Tango written by Julio Navarrine and composed by Carlos Vicente Geroni Flores.
The tango “A la luz del candil” narrates the poignant confession of a man named Alberto Arenas, who arrives at a police station to turn himself in. He describes himself as a decent, honest man who is not prone to drinking or thievery. His tale unfolds under the dim light of a lantern (‘candil’), where he discovers his beloved and his trusted friend betraying him. In a moment of rage and betrayal, he kills them both. The lyrics poignantly capture his turmoil and grief, revealing the items in his suitcase as evidence of the betrayal—his lover’s braids and his friend’s heart.
Symbolism is entrenched deeply in the lyrics of “A la luz del candil.” The ‘candil’ or candlelight symbolizes the partial and murky revelation of truth, where things are not wholly visible, reflecting the narrator’s shock and partial understanding of the betrayal. The darkness of night, described as “oscura como boca’e lobo,” illustrates the depth of the narrator’s despair and the setting of his grim discovery. The items he carries – “las trenzas de mi china y el corazón de él” – symbolize his shattered love and broken trust, respectively.
Recorded in 1927, “A la luz del candil” emerges during a period when Tango music was evolving into a profound medium for narrative storytelling, reflecting the social and emotional tapestry of Argentina. This was a time marked by economic fluctuations and a significant wave of European immigration, leading to a complex blend of cultures and societal changes. The tango served both as a reflection on personal stories and as a broader commentary on societal shifts, often dealing with themes of love, betrayal, and morality.
Julio Navarrine was an eminent tango lyricist whose contributions to Argentinian music encapsulated the emotional and cultural pulses of his era.