Intimas by Ricardo Brignolo

Intimas is a Tango written by Ricardo Brignolo and composed by Alfonso Lacueva.

Story behind the Tango Intimas

The tango “Intimas” narrates a tale of melancholy reflections shared between two people who have experienced sorrow and loss in love. The narrator notices a change in the demeanor of a woman who used to be playful and coquettish, now subdued and possibly heartbroken. The interaction evolves into a shared confession of past love, destiny’s cruel play, and enduring emptiness—a thematic exploration of lost love, the pain of reminiscence, and the existential void that follows the end of a romance.

Symbolism of Intimas

Symbolism in “Intimas” is rich and poignant, revolving around natural elements and emotional landscapes to underscore the deeper emotional narrative. The “rosa” symbolizes beauty tinged with pain, reflecting the duality of love’s pleasure and hurt. Additionally, the recurring motif of “un vacío imposible de llenar” represents the profound sense of emptiness and unfulfilled yearning left by lost love. Ricardo Brignolo uses vivid imagery, such as “cual las flores primorosas de un altar”, to elevate the woman’s beauty and sanctity, juxtaposed starkly with her internal suffering.

Intimas in historic Context

“Intimas” was created and recorded in 1930, a period that saw the worldwide impact of the Great Depression which reached Argentina by the early 1930s, leading to economic strain and widespread despondence. This historical backdrop could deepen the song’s themes of despair and desolation, reflecting not just personal grief but a collective sentiment of uncertainty and hardship. The emotional resonance during such times would have been particularly poignant, as people might have related deeply to the narrative of enduring emotional voids amidst external chaos.

Ricardo Brignolo

Ricardo Brignolo was a prominent lyricist in the tango genre, known for his expressive and poignant compositions during the early 20th century.