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 choclo is a Tango written by Angel Villoldo and composed by Angel Villoldo.
The lyrics of “El choclo” evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as the speaker reminisces about the past. They recount the emotional solace that the tango, specifically the milonga (a precursor to tango with a faster rhythm), provided during times of sadness. The milonga is personified, bringing forth cherished memories to the speaker’s mind. As time has passed, indicated by the speaker’s graying hair, the beloved tango continues to overwhelm the speaker with emotions, strengthened now by the poignant intimacy of its music. This reflection brings back memories of a beautiful era that has since faded away.
The phrase “vieja milonga” symbolizes more than a dance style; it represents a time capsule of emotions and memories that are evoked whenever the melody plays. The recurring theme of time and aging suggests a longing for the vibrancy of youth and the lively moments spent dancing. Music here serves as a metaphor for life’s fleeting moments, capturing the essence of experiences that, while passed, remain close to the heart through the act of reminiscence. “Siento que el alma se me encoje poco a poco” translates to a feeling of the soul shrinking slowly, symbolizing how joy and vibrant life gradually diminish as one ages.
“El choclo” was created in Argentina, a country recognized for its rich tango history. Argentina in the mid-20th century was a place of cultural resurgence, with tango often acting as a social commentary and an expression of the national zeitgeist. Although the tango was captured in recordings officially in 1963, its origins and influences date back much earlier, reflecting the socio-economic conditions of Argentinians and the nostalgic yearning for the ‘good old days’ as modernization changed traditional lifestyles. The intense emotional connection to tango speaks to how deeply this art form is woven into the cultural identity of its people.
Angel Villoldo, often revered as a pioneering figure in the tango music genre, profoundly influenced Argentine musical culture with his compositions.