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.
Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón) is a Tango written by Homero Expósito and composed by Domingo Federico.
The song narrates the mixed emotions of a speaker who is eagerly awaiting the return of a beloved. The heartbeats symbolize the anticipation and longing for this reunion, and the narrative moves between reality and hopeful illusion. The speaker encourages their heart to keep beating and their dreams to persist in the comfort of illusion, admitting the pain and nostalgia associated with the awaited person’s absence. The recurring theme revolves around the bittersweet nature of waiting and the eventual joy envisioned upon the beloved’s return.
The title and refrain “Late un corazón” (A heart beats) encapsulates the core symbol of the song—the human heart, which in this context represents not only literal life but emotional vitality and love. The heart beating “al compás” (in rhythm) suggests a life lived in harmony with one’s feelings, especially love. This symbolism deepens as the heart continues to beat despite the pain of separation, signifying enduring hope and love. The notion of the “heart’s rhythm” aligns with the musical and dance elements of the tango, which inherently connects to themes of passion and emotional expression.
Composed in 1942, during a period where Argentina was marked by political strife and global tensions due to World War II, the tango might also reflect a broader cultural sentiment of longing and uncertainty. During this era, tangos often carried themes of loss, nostalgia, and the joys and pains of love—mirroring the societal atmosphere of the time. The emotional depth in the lyrics can be seen as a response to the general longing for better times or the return to normalcy, akin to awaiting the return of a beloved.
Homero Expósito, an influential Argentine lyricist and poet, is renowned for his profound and innovative contributions to the tango genre. His works are celebrated for their poetic depth and emotional complexity.