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.
Calla bandoneón is a Tango written by Oscar Rubens and composed by Carlos Lázzari.
In “Calla bandoneón,” the lyrical narrative communicates a profound sense of lingering sorrow and nostalgia associated with a past love. The bandoneón, a key instrument in tango music, becomes a symbol of emotional expression, its sounds triggering memories of a relationship that ended in goodbye. The lyrics convey a story of love blossomed and affirmed through dance, with the bandoneón initially sweetening the moments they shared. However, the tone shifts as the music of the bandoneón changes, reflecting the tragic farewell that ultimately arrives during a dance, signifying the end of their union. The repeated cries for the bandoneón to silence its song underline a desire to escape the painful memories it evokes.
The central symbol in “Calla bandoneón” is the bandoneón itself, which personifies the emotional core of the tango. Its music, which once enriched the moments of love, turns into a source of sadness after the separation. The repeated plea, “¡Calla, bandoneón!… ¡Calla, por favor!…” (Silence, bandoneón! Silence, please!) reflects the narrator’s struggle with the haunting presence of the past, illustrating how deeply music and memory are intertwined in the sphere of personal loss. Additionally, the “tango bien tristón” (very sad tango) acts as a sonic representation of their shared sorrow, highlighting the emotional depth that tango can convey.
Written and recorded in 1944 in Argentina, “Calla bandoneón” emerged during a time when tango music was intertwined deeply with the cultural identity of Buenos Aires. This period was marked by a rich artistic output amidst a complex social and political landscape in Argentina. The nostalgic and melancholic tones in the lyrics reflect a common theme in tango, where feelings of loss, longing, and the passage of time are prevalent. These themes resonated deeply during a time when the world was engulfed in the uncertainties of World War II, adding a layer of shared experience to the personal story depicted in the tango.
Oscar Rubens was a notable Argentine lyricist and playwright, often remembered for his significant contributions to the Tango genre.