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.
La calle maldita is a Tango written by Roberto Lambertucci and composed by Martín Darré.
The lyrics of “La calle maldita” paint a vivid picture of a melancholic scene set in an alleyway, a tavern, beneath a dim street light and next to a mailbox, with the backdrop sounds of frogs and a shaky street organ playing a tango. These elements conjure an image of a gloomy, forsaken place, echoing the title, which translates to “The Cursed Street.” The narrative delves into a tale of lost love and betrayal, marked with profound sorrow marinated in alcohol, reflecting on a past filled with both fond and painful memories.
The cursed street, or “La calle maldita,” symbolizes a place of past love that has turned sour and painful. The repeated mention of this location conveys a deep sense of regret and emotional scarring. The street and its elements become a metaphor for the relationship—the dim street light, the unsettling sound of frogs, and the trembling voice of the street organ allude to the instability and darkness surrounding the protagonist’s feelings. Notable phrases like “Pena de amor” and “Copa de alcohol” symbolize the drowning of sorrow in alcohol, a common theme in tango depicting heartache and despair. The narrative swing from tender memories to betrayal with “Entregándome sus besos con amarga falsedad” showcases the cruel deception experienced, enhancing the overall tragic tone of the tango.
Recorded in 1950 in Argentina, “La calle maldita” reflects the rich cultural ambiance of mid-20th century Buenos Aires, a city synonymous with tango. During this era, tango lyrics often reflected the societal and personal strife faced by many, serving as an outlet for expressing deep-set emotions and often unspoken hardships. The geographical backdrop of Buenos Aires, with its myriad alleyways and taverns, provides a perfectly melancholic setting for such poignant storytelling, resonating with the local audience familiar with such scenes and sentiments.
Roberto Lambertucci is noted for his contributions to the tango genre, particularly for his deep, emotive lyrics that capture the essence of Argentinean culture and personal anguish.