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.
Canta pajarito is a Tango written by Oscar Rubens and composed by Juan José Guichandut.
The lyrics of “Canta pajarito” evoke a poignant narrative of loss and longing. Rubens’ words depict a person whose heart is suffering in loneliness, mourning the loss of a beloved whose departure has seemingly left both their home and heart in darkness. This profound yearning is intertwined with the silence that now pervades the house where laughter and the voice of the loved one once resonated. The transformation of the rosebush, once a vibrant symbol of their love, into a withered semblance, underscores the depth of grief and desolation experienced. The repeated plea to the little bird to sing exemplifies a desperate attempt to connect with happier times and perhaps, momentarily forget the overwhelming sorrow.
The recurring symbolism in “Canta pajarito” is deeply woven around notions of silence and song. The once singing bird whose voice has now faded mirrors the protagonist’s descent into silence following their loss. The bird’s reluctance to sing not only represents the ongoing struggle with grief but also reinforces the sense of shared suffering between the human and the natural realm. The stark contrast drawn between the bird’s silence and its previous songs accentuates the emotional intensity of the loss, symbolizing how the intrinsic melodies of life cease in the wake of personal tragedies.
Set in Argentina in 1943, during a period marked by political instability and the looming shadows of World War II, “Canta pajarito” perhaps also captures the general sentiment of uncertainty and sorrow prevalent at the time. The themes of separation and sadness resonate not just on a personal level but echo the broader societal anxieties faced by many. This period of history marked by turmoil and upheavals, invariably influences the tone and mood of the tango, using personal grief as a possible metaphor for wider communal experiences.
Oscar Rubens, the lyricist behind this poignant tango, was known for his ability to weave deep emotional narratives through his compositions, often reflecting the complex human emotions and societal moods of his times.