Derecho viejo by Gabriel Clausi

Derecho viejo is a Tango written by Gabriel Clausi and composed by Eduardo Arolas.

Story behind the Tango Derecho viejo

“Derecho viejo,” translated to English as “Old Rights,” metaphorically recounts the enduring spirit and traditions of Buenos Aires’ tango culture. This tango lyrically portrays the rich, vibrant life and emotional undercurrents of the city’s neighborhoods. It’s a homage to the city’s unique blend of sadness and sensual zeal, encapsulated through the dance and its music. Beginning with a vivid description of the tango as embodying the gritty, passionate essence of Buenos Aires, the narrative evolves into a personal reflection of lost love and enduring memories. Clausi uses the tango to explore themes of nostalgia, loss, and a deep-seated longing for the past.

Symbolism of Derecho viejo

The main symbolic element in “Derecho viejo” is the bandoneón, which cries in its tunes the sorrow of unrequited love, underpinning the tango’s typically melancholic tone. Key phrases like “Oigo el cantar de un triste bandoneón” evoke the bandoneón’s role not just as an instrument, but as a voice of emotional expression. Another essential symbolic element is the “dulzura” (sweetness) in its voice, which alongside the mention of “che, bandoneón, con tu chamuyo reo,” portrays the instrument’s inherent capability to converse in the seductive, street-smart lingo of Buenos Aires. The recurring references to “arrabal” (suburbs or outskirts where tango originated) highlight the cultural and geographic roots of tango, imbuing the lyrics with a deep sense of place and identity.

Derecho viejo in historic Context

Written and recorded in 1927, “Derecho viejo” emerges during a vibrant era of tango’s evolution in Argentina, where the genre was transitioning from the margins of society into mainstream acceptance. This period in Argentine history was marked by a complex social landscape, witnessing massive immigration, urbanization, and a cultural renaissance in Buenos Aires. Clausi’s tango thus acts not only as a musical creation but as a social commentary reflecting the communal sentiments of nostalgia and melancholy for a simpler, romanticized past amidst rapid societal changes.

Gabriel Clausi

Gabriel Clausi, also known as “Pirincho,” was a renowned Argentine tango musician known for his prowess as a bandoneonist and composer, contributing significantly to the genre’s golden age.