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El cisne

El cisne is a Vals written by Antonio Anselmi and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1950. Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El cisne as an instrumental Vals.
“El cisne,” which translates to “The Swan” in English, evokes the grace and elegance of this majestic creature, gliding effortlessly across tranquil waters. The music captures the ethereal beauty and deep introspection of the swan’s journey, embodying both its serene presence and hidden depths. Each note flows like delicate brushstrokes painting a portrait of timeless serenity.

Letra del Vals El cisne

En un lago cristalino
hacia la orilla costando
un blanco cisne nadando
del lago dueño y señor,
llega hacia el bosque vecino
a saturarse de arome
porque espera a su paloma
para una cita de amor.

Como hace rato que espera
ya la impaciencia lo inquieta
por la paloma coqueta
que a la cita no llegó
y abriendo sus blancas alas
medita el cisne arrogante
¿será verdad que otro amante
su cariño me robó?

Pero después de un momento
desde la vecina loma
se ve llegar la paloma
en un vuelo señorial;
y como el cisne pregunta:
¿dónde te has entretenido?,
contesta: Con mi querido
a la sombra de un sauzal.

Que es lo que has dicho, paloma,
que bien no lo he comprendido,
has hablado de un querido
y te olvidas quién soy yo.
De pronto el cisne celoso,
muy enceguecido acaso
de un terrible picotazo
a su paloma mató.

Cargo a su presa en el pico
y allá en el lugar más hondo
fue a sumergirse hasta el fondo
del lago, dueño y señor.
Desde entonces en la noche
cuando todo está dormido
se oye del cisne un gemido
porque llora de amor.

English lyrics of the Vals "El cisne"

In a crystalline lake,
near the coasting shore,
a white swan swims,
lord and master of the lake,
heads to the neighboring forest,
to be engulfed in its scent,
for he waits for his dove
for a love rendezvous.

As he’s been waiting a while,
impatience begins to disturb,
for the flirtatious dove
that has not arrived to the date,
and, spreading his white wings,
thinks the proud swan,
‘Could it be true that another lover
has stolen her affection from me?’

But after a moment,
from the neighboring hill,
he sees the dove arriving
in majestic flight;
and as the swan asks,
‘Where have you been detained?’,
she answers, ‘With my beloved,
in the shade of a willow grove.’

‘What is it you’ve said, dove,
I haven’t quite understood,
you’ve spoken of a beloved
and forget who I am.’
Suddenly, the jealous swan,
perhaps blinded by rage,
with a fierce peck,
killed his dove.

He carries his prey in his beak
and there, in the deepest part,
dives to the bottom
of the lake, lord and master.
Since then, in the night,
when all is asleep,
the groan of the swan is heard
for he weeps for love.

El cisne by Antonio Anselmi

El cisne is a Tango written and composed by Antonio Anselmi.

Story behind the Tango El cisne

The lyrics of “El cisne” depict a poignant story of love, jealousy, and consequences. Set by a crystalline lake, the song narrates the tale of a majestic white swan, which is metaphorically depicted as the protagonist. The swan, representing a lover, awaits the arrival of his beloved dove. However, the meeting takes a tragic turn as the swan, consumed by jealousy upon hearing that the dove has been with another, reacts violently and ultimately causes her death. The story concludes with the swan’s deep regret, as it mourns the loss of love. This narrative captures the extreme emotions of passion and jealousy, reflecting the dramatic essence of tango music.

Symbolism of El cisne

“El cisne” (The Swan) is rich in symbolism. The swan itself is a significant choice, symbolizing grace, beauty, and, in many cultures, love. However, the transformation of this elegant creature into a jealous and violent character juxtaposes its typical representation, underlining the theme of love’s darker, possessive sides. The dove evokes purity and peace, making its fate all the more tragic. The lake, serene yet ultimately the scene of the crime and self-inflicted exile, symbolizes the depths of emotions and the isolation that often accompanies guilt.

El cisne in historic Context

This tango was recorded in 1950 in Argentina, a time when tango music was a dominant cultural force and often explored themes of love, betrayal, and regret. In post-World War II Argentina, there was a mix of traditional values clashing with modernity and this song reflects those complex, often dark, interpersonal dynamics. The explicit display of jealousy and its consequences in the song could also mirror the societal tensions and shifts of that period.

Antonio Anselmi

Antonio Anselmi was a notable tango composer, who contributed to the rich tapestry of Argentine music culture with his emotionally charged compositions.