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.
Aquellas cartas is a Tango written by Roberto Maida and composed by Juan Ghirlanda.
The poignant lyrics of “Aquellas cartas” (Those Letters) echo a story of deep unrequited love and nostalgic remembrance of a past romance. The narrator vividly recalls the letters received from a beloved, which once expressed deep love and promises of eternal affection. As the relationship ends, only the letters remain, serving as a heart-wrenching reminder of what was once a vivid and loving connection but is now reduced to mere memories triggered by the handwritten words.
The letters in “Aquellas cartas” symbolize the tangible remains of a past love. They are described as harboring emotions and memories that are at once painful and cherished. The analogy of “jirones herejes” (heretical shreds) suggests these letters challenge the sanctity of the present, disrupting peace with their powerful reminder of a deep, yet lost, love. Another symbolic layer is the comparison to religious devotion, where clinging to these letters is likened to a faithful adoration of a holy image, indicating how the love they represent has been sanctified in the narrator’s memory.
Originating in 1959 Argentina, “Aquellas cartas” arrives in a post-World War II era, a time when personal and collective recoveries were omnipresent themes. This historic backdrop might have influenced the song’s focus on personal reflection, loss, and the struggle to move beyond past relationships. The tangos of this period often mirrored the emotional turmoils of society, acting as vessels for collective catharsis, thus making this tango a reflection not just of personal loss but also of a broader societal sentiment.
Roberto Maida was a renowned Argentine tango singer and lyricist known for his expressive delivery and deep emotional engagement with the lyrics he performed.