Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
Bien frappé is a Tango written by and composed by Carlos di Sarli.
The tango “Bien frappé” tells a story of heartache and a desperate attempt to escape pain through alcohol. The protagonist finds themselves consumed by memories of a lost love and seeks solace in the numbing effects of strong drinks such as caña, grappa, or whisky. It’s a vivid portrayal of emotional turmoil and the futile endeavor to drown sorrow and betrayal with intoxicating substances.
The lyrics heavily use the symbolism of alcohol as an escape and a seductive, yet temporary solution to emotional suffering. Phrases like “traiga y sirva caña fuerte, grappa o whisky bien frappé” illustrate the need for potent drinks to quench the “rabia y de sed” – the rage and thirst born from betrayal. The notion of filling one’s cup “hasta que el vaso lleno se retobe de veneno” speaks to the destructive nature of trying to soothe wounds through intoxication, likening the liquor to poison.
Another powerful image is the contrast between the warmth suggested by the “sol de sus veinte años” (sun of her twenty years) and the bitterness from her “boca mentirosa pintada de rosa” (deceitful mouth painted with pink), suggesting an enticing appearance that conceals deceit and emotional harm.
Written and composed in 1941 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, “Bien frappé” reflects a period where tango was an introspective dance and musical genre exploring themes of romance, betrayal, and longing. The post-Depression era was marked by significant social changes, affecting relationships and personal identities. The urban backdrop of Buenos Aires, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural melange, provides a fitting setting for the narrative of seeking relief from emotional turmoil in the boisterous ambiance of its bars and dance halls.
Carlos di Sarli was a renowned Argentine composer, orchestra leader, and pianist, celebrated for his distinctive and elegant approach to tango music. His compositions are known for their emotive depth and intricate orchestrations, cementing his legacy in the world of tango.