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 pasar is a Tango written by Juan Bautista Gatti and composed by José Raúl Iglesias.
“Al pasar,” which translates to “Upon Passing” or “In Passing” in English, intricately captures the essence of a moment or scene as experienced during a transient, fleeting moment. The lyrics depict a night scene illuminated by a solitary street lamp and a moon on the prowl, setting a tone both melancholic and reflective. The environment described is deeply embedded in local geography, mentioning specific elements like an old vine and a willow behind a lime-painted wall, evoking a strong sense of place. This song’s narrative seems to revolve around a deep personal reflection triggered by familiar sights and sounds of a neighborhood that holds significant personal history.
The symbolic language in “Al pasar” is potent, using elements like the “triste-eyed” lamp and the moon watching stealthily to evoke feelings of solitude and contemplativeness. The neighborhood, with its physical and auditory elements, symbolizes more than just a physical space; it represents a repository of memories and emotions familiar and personal to the observer. The use of natural elements like wind, willow, and stars dressed in April enhances this reflection, adding a layer of transience and beauty to the unfolding scene. The culminating symbol, the bandoneón sighing behind bars, powerfully mirrors the entrapment of memories and emotions that are evoked by this familiar yet distant setting.
The Vals “Al pasar” was recorded in 1943, a time when Argentina was marked by political instability and a looming post-war identity crisis. This historical backdrop may subtly permeate the lyrics, reflecting a broader sense of nostalgia and uncertainty that could resonate with the broader societal mood of the era. The reference to physical spaces and subtle interplay of light and shadow could metaphorically parallel the national sentiment of introspection and contemplation of an uncertain future.
Juan Bautista Gatti was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to tango, a musical genre deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Argentina.