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 cumparsita is a Tango written by Gerardo Matos Rodriguez and composed by Gerardo Matos Rodriguez.
“La cumparsita,” which translates to “The Little Parade,” delves into themes of remorse, death, and forgiveness. The lyrics tell the story of an individual haunted by past decisions, primarily abandoning his elderly mother (“viejita”) for a passionate love affair, which ended in betrayal and loneliness. The man returns home to find his mother dead and is overwhelmed with guilt as he faces his own mortality. In his final moments, a sense of peace is bestowed upon him as he feels his mother’s forgiveness from the heavens.
The tango uses vivid imagery and symbolism to deepen the narrative. The recurring symbol of “la cumparsa” or parade of endless miseries encapsulates the protagonist’s continual suffering. This parade metaphorically dances around him as his life spirals towards its bleak end. Another poignant symbol is the representation of his lover as a seductive yet destructive flower, “de lujuria era una flor,” indicating beauty intertwined with moral decay. The use of “shadows” and “coldness” in his heart underscores the isolation and emotional desolation he experiences.
Composed and first recorded in Uruguay in 1916 by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez, and popularized in its orchestral tango form in the 1940s, “La cumparsita” has strong cultural roots in the Rio de la Plata region of Argentina and Uruguay. These were times when tango mirrored the sentiments of the people, often touching on themes of love, betrayal, and social hardships. The composition from 1943 overlaid with poignant lyrics, reflects the melancholic ethos and complexity of urban life, especially the plight of individuals facing moral dilemmas and personal tragedies.
Gerardo Matos Rodríguez was a Uruguayan musician and composer, best known for composing this globally recognized tango, “La cumparsita.”