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,” which translates to “Old Right” or “Old Straight,” deep dives into the nostalgia and melancholic emotions that resonate with the memory of the old Buenos Aires neighborhoods. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city that is both vibrant and tinged with sadness, revealing a deep connection to the traditional “arrabal,” or outskirts, where tango originated. The narrative reflects on lost love and the timeless essence of tango in the night life of Buenos Aires, capturing the soulful and sensual experiences of its denizens.

Symbolism of Derecho viejo

The tango uses potent symbols such as the ‘bandoneón’—a type of accordion synonymous with tango music—to evoke deep emotional responses. The bandoneón’s sounds are described as the voice of a suffering soul, lamenting a love that could not be, represented in lines like “Oigo el cantar de un triste bandoneón, que llora en su canción la pena de un amor.” This portrayal not only personifies the instrument but also enhances the thematic substance of unfulfilled desires and enduring heartache. The recurring reference to “arrabal” symbolizes the authentic birthplace of tango, often associated with the working class and the gritty realities of urban life, yet also a cradle of genuine emotions and raw beauty.

Derecho viejo in historic Context

The tango, recorded in 1957, reflects on the Buenos Aires of earlier decades when tango was not just a dance but a narrative medium that communicated the unspoken woes and joys of its residents. During those times, Buenos Aires was a melting pot of cultures and identities, and tango was a unifying force, a cultural hallmark that transcended the boundaries of social stratifications. “Derecho viejo,” with its nostalgic recall of romanticized, past relations and the yearning for lost moments, emphasizes this pivot of Argentinean collective memory—where tango acts both as escapism and as a historical testament.

Gabriel Clausi

Gabriel Clausi, also known as “Piedra Buena,” was a prominent figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for his profound compositions that often found the essence of traditional Buenos Aires life.