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 montonera is a Tango written by Manuel Romero and composed by Enrique Delfino.
The lyrics of “La montonera” recount the tragic tale of a captain during a time of civil conflict. In the gray morning, the captain flees, pursued by a relentless group known as “la montonera.” His faithful horse carries him towards the home of his beloved, who had promised eternal love as he left for war. Arriving home wounded and pale, he finds solace in an ardent kiss from his love, a balm for his pain, giving thanks to heaven for his safety. However, the story takes a dark turn as he is betrayed and sold out by his lover to the enemies while he sleeps, leading to his capture and execution by firing squad, his last words lamenting not his death but the betrayal by the woman he loved.
“La montonera” symbolizes betrayal and the devastating effects of civil war. The captain’s horse symbolizes loyalty, contrasting sharply with the betrayal of his lover. His final lament highlights a profound emotional betrayal, resonating deeper than the fear of death itself. The gray morning and the fatal night symbolically frame the concept of hope followed by despair. The recurring references to “heart” and “soul” emphasize the deep personal and emotional investment that adds a tragic weight to the betrayal.
“La montonera” was written and recorded in Argentina in 1930, a period marked by political instability and the onset of the infamous Decade of Infamy. The term “montonera” refers to irregular military units typical of the 19th and early 20th centuries in Argentina, often composed of civilians who participated in the civil wars. The tango can be seen as a reflection on the betrayal within these tumultuous times — not just on a personal level but also metaphorically reflecting the broader sense of instability and betrayal felt by society.
Manuel Romero was a prolific Argentine playwright, screenwriter, and lyricist, known for his works that often reflected the socio-political landscape of Argentina.