Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Bien milonga

Bien milonga is a Tango written by Ismael Spitalnik and recorded by Osvaldo Pugliese in 1951. Osvaldo Pugliese has recorded Bien milonga as an instrumental Tango.
“Bien milonga” translates to “Well Milonga” in English. It evokes the essence of a dance that understands the deep-rooted, passionate heartbeat of Buenos Aires, blending elegance with fiery spirit. This piece captures a world where every step tells a story, and every note is a whispered secret of love and longing entwined in the embrace of the dance floor.
In my storm of jealousy and my restlessness to see him.
I elicited a smile, and he never knew, never knew about my anguish.

When in the midst of my fierce pain, I dared to ask,
I sensed disdain, shaking his faith in love.
Where is that past that can return and echo: “I forgive you!”?

There was no dignity to feel so much shame,
groveling on the ground, crying in delirium.
But my stubborn heart didn’t listen;
it only beat for him, burning in its fire.

For my memories that cry in their solitude,
for the times when he adored my voice so soft and tender,
I ask God to guide his steps back to me,
even though he forgets, or maybe because he forgets,
that I’ve forgiven his betrayal long ago.

Bien milonga

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.



Story behind the Tango Bien milonga

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”).



Symbolism of Bien milonga

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.



Bien milonga in historic Context

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.



About Ismael Spitalnik

Ismael Spitalnik was an influential figure in the Argentine music scene, known for his compositions that have enriched the Latin American musical repertoire.