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.
Bésame en la boca is a Tango written by Eduardo Calvo and composed by José María Rizzuti.
The Tango “Bésame en la boca” by Eduardo Calvo spins a tale from anguish to resurfacing affection. The story begins with an encounter on Florida Street where the narrator finds a woman, sunk in sorrow, lost in her painful memories of love. Refusing to be involved with love and men ever again, she reveals her past traumas to the narrator. However, through a transformative kiss, her defenses break down, bypassing the need for words and allowing a silent, yet profound connection to heal the wounds of the past.
The phrasing “Bésame en la boca con dulce ilusión” demonstrates a stark contrast between the bitterness of past experiences and the sweet potential of present moments. The kiss in the tango is emblematic of renewal and transformative healing, signifying a transition from silent suffering to wordless understanding and connection. The repeated plea not to speak of love while simultaneously asking for a kiss with “sweet illusion” captures the duality of fear and desire, hinting at the complex emotional states involved.
Composed in 1927 in Argentina, “Bésame en la boca” emerges during a rich period in the history of Tango, when this dance and musical form was deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Buenos Aires. During this era, tango often became a medium to express the melancholic and soulful narratives of everyday people. Streets like Florida, mentioned in the lyrics, were emblematic hubs of social interaction, giving the narrative a realist backdrop that resonates with the urban melancholy and romantic idealism characteristic of Tango during this period.
Eduardo Calvo was a skilled tango lyricist whose works often encapsulated the emotional and cultural nuances of early 20th century Argentina.