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 milonga is a Tango written by an unidentified lyricist and composed by Ismael Spitalnik. Recorded in Argentina on July 31, 1951, it captures the essence and dynamic rhythm of the milonga, a precursor to the more globally known tango.
The “Bien milonga” presents a narrative steeped in the cultural milieu of Argentina during the early 20th century. The milonga itself, both a type of music and a dance, is faster paced and less formal than tango, reflecting perhaps a more lighthearted aspect of life. As a song, “Bien milonga” relishes in this energy, conveying themes of joy, nostalgia, and an inherent connection with the dance’s history and cultural significance. While the exact details of the lyrics are not provided, the title itself suggests a celebration of the milonga done properly (“bien” translating as “well” or “right”).
In the language of the milonga, dance and music serve not just as entertainment but as profound expressions of everyday emotions and social interactions. “Bien milonga” symbolically represents a return to simpler joys and fundamental human connections. The invigorating rhythm and likely colloquial language likely weave imagery of dance halls and spirited gatherings, symbolizing a unifying force among people.
Recorded shortly after the midpoint of the 20th century, “Bien milonga” emerged in a post-WWII Argentina, a nation rich with artistic innovation yet politically tumultuous. The milonga, having evolved from African and European influences, symbolizes both a preservation and an evolution of Argentine folk culture. During this period, Argentina was experiencing significant political and economic changes, and in such a context, a throwback to the cultural fundamentals such as milonga could serve as both an escape and a reaffirmation of Argentine identity.
Ismael Spitalnik was an influential figure in the Argentine music scene, known for his compositions that have enriched the Latin American musical repertoire.