Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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Singer
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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 viejo amor is a Tango written by Alejandro Romay and composed by José Tinelli.
“El viejo amor,” translating to “The Old Love” in English, dives deep into the feelings of nostalgia and melancholy linked to a past relationship. The loss and the emotional remnants are evident, as the lyrics depict a solemn toast with empty cups—symbolic of the emptiness and longing for the past. The author reflects on the bitter experiences that reemerge, haunting the lovers despite their separation by a world filled with hatred and bitterness.
The lyrics are rich in symbolism. The empty cups, “vacías nuestras copas,” resonate with the sense of void and unfulfillment in the lives of the separated lovers, while simultaneously being “llenas del ayer,” or “full of yesterday,” suggesting that memories fill their present void. This juxtaposition poignantly illustrates the struggle between moving on and clinging to the remnants of past love. The imagery of mocking from the bottom of the glass, “pasado que se burla desde el fondo del cristal,” emphasizes the inescapability of their memories and the pain they bring. The “mendrugos de un dolor,” or crumbs of pain, imply that what remains of their relationship are merely fragments of a once whole and fulfilling love.
Composed in 1961 in Argentina, “El viejo amor” emerged during a vibrant era of Tango when the dance and its music were central to Argentine identity. The 1960s in Argentina were a time of considerable social and political transformation. Amidst this backdrop, Tangos often reflected themes of nostalgia, societal changes, and the personal impacts of these shifts. Romay and Tinelli’s creation carries the sorrowful tone typical of Tangos, echoing the collective national sentiment of a society grappling with rapid changes and facing an uncertain future.
Alejandro Romay, celebrated as an influential figure in Argentine television, was also known for his contributions to music, particularly Tango. His works often delve into themes of love, loss, and the human condition, resonating strongly with the national culture and personal experiences of his audience.