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El choclo

El choclo is a Milonga written by Angel Villoldo and recorded by Armando Pontier in 1958. Armando Pontier has recorded El choclo as an instrumental Milonga.
“El Choclo,” meaning “The Corn” in English, is a quintessential tango that captures the essence of Argentine soul. The name evokes images of warmth and sustenance, much like the golden maize that stands as a symbol of life’s simple pleasures. In its rhythm and melody, the piece dances through the heart, weaving stories of passion, nostalgia, and joy.

Milonga

Style

Armando Pontier

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Angel Villoldo

Author

Angel Villoldo

Composer

1958/7/4

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Armando Pontier
Armando Pontier

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El choclo recorded by other Orchestras

El choclo recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Milonga El choclo

Vieja milonga

que en mi horas de tristeza,

traes a mi mente

tu recuerdo cariñoso

y encadenandome a tus notas.

Dulcemente,

siento que el alma

se me encoje poco a poco.



Hoy que los años

han blanqueado ya mis sienes,

tango querido,

viejo tango que me embarga,

con la cadencia

de su musica sentida,

recuerdo aquella epoca,

tan linda que se fue.

English lyrics of the Milonga "El choclo"

Old milonga

that in my hours of sadness,

brings to my mind

your affectionate memory

and chaining me to your notes.

Sweetly,

I feel that the soul

shrinks little by little.



Now that the years

have already whitened my temples,

beloved tango,

old tango that overwhelms me,

with the cadence

of its heartfelt music,

I remember that time,

so beautiful that has gone.

El choclo by Angel Villoldo

El choclo is a Tango written by Angel Villoldo and composed by Angel Villoldo.



Story behind the Tango El choclo

“El Choclo,” a tango classic, carries a sense of nostalgia and longing that resonates deeply. Angel Villoldo, often referred to as the father of tango, composed this piece reflecting his love for the golden era of tango. The lyrics mourn the passing of time, referenced through the imagery of whitened hair, symbolizing the aging of the narrator and perhaps the transformation of society itself.

Villoldo uses music as a means to transport him back to the precious moments of his past, where the tango was not just a dance but an essential part of everyday life. This leads to an emotional reconnection with the joyful and beautiful times that have, unfortunately, slipped away.



Symbolism of El choclo

The title “El Choclo” itself means “The Corn Cob” in English, a term of endearment in Argentine Spanish. This title could symbolize something beloved, basic yet essential, an integral part of the cultural diet. The tango, much like corn, is a staple in Argentine culture.

The choice to use “Vieja milonga,” referring to the tango as an old milonga, evokes a sense of respect and adoration for the traditional aspects of Argentine music and dance. Each note and melody in the tango brings cherished memories to life, binding the personal emotions with the cultural history of Argentina.



El choclo in historic Context

Composed and recorded during a post-war era, “El Choclo” comes from a time when Argentina was experiencing both rapid cultural changes and a nostalgia for a simpler past. This period in 1958 marked an intense evolution in Argentine society, with shifts in political, social, and cultural landscapes. Villoldo’s lyrics capture this transition, lamenting the loss of the ‘beautiful era’ through the lens of personal and cultural memory.



Angel Villoldo

Angel Villoldo, an Argentine musician and one of the pioneers of tango, is often credited with popularizing tango on a global scale. His compositions remain foundational to the tango genre.