La última curda by
La última curda is a Tango written by and composed by Aníbal Troilo.
Story behind the Tango La última curda
The title “La última curda” can be translated as “The Last Drunkenness,” and it captures a moment of deep introspection and emotional turmoil. The tango speaks to themes of heartache, despair, and the existential musings of someone experiencing a profound sense of loss. The lyrics reveal a dialogue between the narrator and the bandoneón, a quintessential instrument in tango music, which serves as a confidant and a vessel for the narrator’s sorrow. Throughout the song, the narrator laments the brevity and absurdity of life, seeking solace in alcohol and memories of a lost love.
Symbolism of La última curda
The bandoneón, central to both the music and the narrative, symbolizes the shared burden of emotional pain and regret. Its “ronca maldición maleva” (hoarse rogue curse) evokes the voice of a melancholic storyteller. Alcohol, on the other hand, represents a temporary escape from this pain – “El licor que aturde” (the liquor that numbs) – but ultimately signifies the closing act of life, metaphorically drawing the “telón al corazón” (curtain on the heart). The lyrics use vivid metaphors, such as “lágrima de ron” (tear of rum) and “una herida absurda” (an absurd wound), to deepen the expression of existential despair and longing for something lost and irretrievable.
La última curda in historic Context
Written and composed in 1963 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, “La última curda” is entrenched in the cultural and emotional landscapes of the time. Tango, a music genre born in the late 19th century along the Río de la Plata, often reflects themes of nostalgia and melancholy suited to the socio-political climate of Argentina during the mid-20th century, a period marked by political instability and social change. Buenos Aires, the heartland of tango, served as a backdrop of emotional resonance, where many sought refuge in the nostalgic and evocative sounds of tango music to articulate their collective and personal struggles.
Aníbal Troilo, born in Buenos Aires, was one of the most prominent bandoneón players and tango composers of his time. Known for his emotive style, Troilo’s compositions have become emblematic of the Argentine tango tradition.
