Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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 and composed by Gerardo Matos Rodriguez.
The narrative of “La cumparsita” is a poignant tale of regret, loss, and redemption. It portrays the life of a man devastated by his own choices, haunted by his abandonment of family and the consequences of pursuing a fleeting passion. The story unfolds through images of misery and sorrow, capturing both the personal anguish of the protagonist and the broader, universal themes of human suffering and repentance. His return to find that his mother has passed away due to neglect underscores the irreversible nature of his decisions, leading him to a somber reflection on his misdeeds. Ultimately, there is a sense of solace in the reunion with his mother’s spirit, suggesting forgiveness and peace beyond death.
“La cumparsita” uses vivid symbols to communicate the depth of the protagonist’s despair and eventual redemption. The “cumparsa” or parade of miseries symbolizes the relentless flow of hardships that surround and consume the character, highlighting his physical and emotional deterioration. The mother’s death due to the cold winter stands as a symbol of neglect and the consequence of being abandoned, while her ghostly forgiveness represents ultimate salvation and peace. Language choices such as “locura de pasión” (madness of passion) and “ciego de amor” (blind by love) intensify the themes of irrational choices and love’s capacity for destruction.
Composed in the early 20th century in Buenos Aires, Argentina, “La cumparsita” reflects the societal changes and emotional currents of its time. Buenos Aires, a bustling hub with a growing immigrant population, was a place where cultural intersections influenced the arts, particularly tango. This tango echoes the struggles and hopes of ordinary people, marked by feelings of nostalgia, loss, and the search for meaning. The haunting melodies and melancholic lyrics are quintessential of the tango genre, often used as an emotional outlet during a time of urbanization and societal shifts.
Gerardo Matos Rodriguez, the composer of La cumparsita, was a significant figure in the tango music scene, known for embedding deep emotion and cultural resonance within his works.