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.
De vuelta al bulín is a Tango written by Pascual Contursi and composed by José Martinez.
“De vuelta al bulín” translates to “Back to the Small Room” or “Back to the Apartment” in English. The lyrics narrate the story of a person whose lover has returned after leaving, expressing feelings of both forgiveness and hurt. The speaker recounts moments of joy and betrayal, portraying a deep emotional turmoil following the lover’s departure and eventual return.
The tango uses several symbolic elements to enhance its emotional depth. The “bulín” symbolizes not just a physical space but a realm of intimate shared memories and emotions. The wardrobe (‘ropero’) from which the lover removes her clothes symbolizes the stripping away of trust and the intimacy they once shared. The “carta de despedida” (farewell letter) represents closure and betrayal, while the lover’s return, juxtaposed with past promises of eternal love, emphasizes the pain of deception and the complexity of forgiveness.
Composed in 1951, this tango reflects the post-World War II era’s complexities in Argentina, a time of social and economic change. During this period, tango often explored themes of loss, nostalgia, and personal struggles, mirroring the societal shifts and the emotional landscape of Argentinians. Pascual Contursi is known for infusing tango lyrics with a poetic and deeply introspective quality, which helped in the genre’s evolution from mere dance music to a more narrative and emotionally charged art form.
Pascual Contursi was an influential Argentine lyricist who played a pivotal role in the development of tango music, infusing it with lyrical storytelling that emphasized complex human emotions and everyday drama.