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.
Besos brujos is a Tango written by Alfredo Malerba, Rodolfo Sciammarella and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.
“Besos brujos” translates to “Bewitched Kisses” in English, which sets a tone of enchantment wrapped in despair. The lyrics portray a poignant dialogue of resistance and painful resignation, where the protagonist implores another to refrain from kissing and touching them, as it only exacerbates their agony. The very essence of the song revolves around the struggle between the desire for freedom from a tormenting relationship and the haunting allure of the kisses described as cursed or bewitched, tying them to a fate of misery.
The recurring phrase “Besos brujos” symbolizes a love that is both enchanting and cursed, encapsulating the central conflict of the narrative. These kisses are a metaphorical chain binding the speaker to grief and despair. Through vivid imagery, the lyrics express the torturous impact of these bewitched kisses—cursed, fuel for despair, and emblematic of a hellish and empty existence alongside the beloved who cannot be loved in return. The speaker’s plea to be left alone to continue their path alone underscores a desperate yearning for freedom and salvation from the torment of love.
“Besos brujos” was written and recorded in 1956, a period when Argentine tango was evolving not just as a dance form but also as a vehicle for more personal, introspective expressions of emotion. In a post-World War II era, themes of pain, loss, and existential angst became more pronounced in the arts, reflecting broader societal shifts and influences. This tango, emerging from such cultural layers, encapsulates personal sufferings and societal undercurrents, allowing listeners to resonate deeply with themes of emotional entrapment and the pursuit of liberation.
Alfredo Malerba and Rodolfo Sciammarella were significant figures in the Argentine music scene, known for their contributions to the rich heritage of tango music, blending deep emotional narratives with traditional musical compositions. Both played pivotal roles in sculpting the soundscape of mid-20th-century Argentine tango.