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.
El cantor de Buenos Aires is a Tango written by and composed by Juan Carlos Cobián.
The tango “El cantor de Buenos Aires” weaves a rich narrative marked by nostalgia, reflection, and tribute. The lyrics tell the story of a bygone era and the poignant passage of time, highlighting the fading memories and places of significance to the narrator. Central to the tango is a journey back to moments of youth, glory, and camaraderie in Buenos Aires, lyrical nostalgia embodied through reminiscences of music, dance, and local figures.
The song is imbued with powerful symbolism, capturing the fading past through vivid imagery. The reference to the “taco militar” evokes a past time of strength and pride, a military uniform perhaps symbolizing authority and discipline lost to time. The recurring notion of things being “carried away” by time signifies the inevitable change and loss. The “red carnation,” once a symbol of passion and life, depicts a sense of lost vibrancy and youth as it hangs like a “red stain.” The mention of local personalities such as Traverso, el Cordobés, and others gives life to a community that formed the fabric of the narrator’s world, illustrating a collective nostalgia for the past.
Set in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango reflects the rich cultural fabric of the city during the first half of the 20th century. Buenos Aires was a vibrant center for tango, seen as both a hub of artistic evolution and a reflection of societal shifts. The tango captures the essence of neighborhoods, camaraderie, and street culture, embodying a blend of personal narrative with collective history. The use of locations like “el Abasto” anchors the story in real places, connecting the city’s past with its cultural identity. The historical backdrop of early 20th-century Buenos Aires shapes the message of longing for a period when tango was as much a lifestyle as a musical expression.
The composer, Juan Carlos Cobián, was a prominent figure in the tango scene. Known for his musical innovation, Cobián’s work contributed to the evolution of tango’s emotional depth and melodious intricacies.