Bien frappé by

Bien frappé is a Tango written by and composed by Carlos di Sarli.

Story behind the Tango Bien frappé

The tango “Bien frappé” unfolds as a visceral expression of heartbreak and the desperate attempt to numb emotional pain through alcohol. The speaker turns to a server, asking for strongly prepared drinks—hard liquor, grappa, or whisky—infused with ice to deaden his heartache. This portrayal reveals the deeply personal struggle of attempting to escape memories and emotions tied to lost love. The narrative encapsulates both the physical act of drinking and a metaphor for drowning sorrow.

Symbolism of Bien frappé

The repeated request for “bien frappé” drinks symbolizes an intense craving to extinguish troubling emotions. The drink becomes an emblem of both solace and self-destruction. The phrase “y si al recuerdo me abrazo” suggests an embrace of past memories that only deepen the protagonist’s anguish, much like poison filling a glass. References to “sus veinte años” and “boca mentirosa pintada de rosa” depict youthful deceit and the harsh disillusionment that follows, likening the experience to consuming something sweet yet ultimately bitter.

Bien frappé in historic Context

Composed in 1954 Buenos Aires, “Bien frappé” emerges from a time when tango was evolving amidst Argentina’s post-war socio-political landscape. Buenos Aires’s vibrant nightlife scene is illustrated by cafes and bars, serving as the backdrop where stories of heartache and betrayal are shared and masked by potent drinks. This cultural hub underscores the tango’s emotional melodies and narrative content, borrowing from the everyday lives and struggles of the local populace.

Carlos di Sarli was a distinguished Argentine tango composer and orchestra leader, celebrated for his unique style that blended lyrical melodies with rhythmic sophistication. His contribution to the genre resonates through the passionate intensity and refined arrangements found in compositions like “Bien frappé.”