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 copa del olvido is a Tango written by Alberto Vacarezza and composed by Enrique Delfino.
The poignant lyrics of “La copa del olvido” or “The Cup of Forgetfulness” narrate the pain and despair of a man grappling with betrayal. Throughout the song, the protagonist seeks solace in alcohol, urging the bartender to keep the drinks coming as he processes seeing his love with another man the previous night. The emotionally charged verses suggest violence as an initial reaction to the betrayal, showcasing a moment of internal conflict where he contemplates murder, only to be stopped by a sudden, sobering impulse.
Throughout the tango, the cup of alcohol symbolizes an attempt to erase painful memories, serving as both a literal and metaphorical escape from reality. The repeated requests to the waiter signify a desperate need for numbness, highlighting how the protagonist is clinging to the possibility that forgetting the betrayal might ease his pain. Important phrases like “Quiero alegrarme con este vino a ver si el vino me hace oluidar” reflect his reliance on external means to dull his heartache. This use of “vino” (wine) reinforces the theme of seeking temporary relief from enduring sorrow.
Created in 1965 in Argentina, a culturally rich period for tango music, “La copa del olvido” emerges during a time when tango was often a reflection of social and personal narratives, capturing the emotional complexity of everyday experiences. This song, set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Argentina, uses the traditional tango format to delve into themes of love, betrayal, and inner conflict, which not only resonated deeply within the local crowds but also mirrored the societal norms and emotional sentiments prevalent at that time.
Alberto Vacarezza was an Argentine playwright and poet, renowned for his contributions to the tango lyric genre, connecting deeply with the urban culture of Buenos Aires.