Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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 última curda is a Tango written by Catulo Castillo and composed by Aníbal Troilo.
“La última curda” translates to “The Last Drunkenness” in English, deeply capturing the essence of despair and resignation entwined with the song. It allegorically tells the tale of a person’s dialogue with their bandoneón (a type of accordion typically used in tango music), expressing their deepest sadness and disillusionment about life. The lyrics convey a profound personal confession about life’s absurdity and the temporary solace found in drunkenness—a theme resonating with the existential struggles during the late 1960s in Argentina, an era marked by political and social upheaval.
The bandoneón in the song symbolizes more than a musical instrument—it’s a confidant and a companion to whom the speaker reveals deep existential pain. Phrases like “tu ronca maldición maleva” (your hoarse malevolent curse) highlight the dual nature of the bandoneón, bringing both pleasure and pain. The dialogue with the bandoneón and references to alcohol as pain relief (“la curda que al final termine la función”) symbolize an attempt to escape harsh reality through the temporary comfort of intoxication. The closing line, asking to shut the window to the crawling sunrise, not only underscores a desire to remain in darkness but also avoids facing reality.
Recorded in 1969, “La última curda” reflects the turbulent atmosphere of the time in Argentina, marked by political strife and societal disillusionment. This period was one of significant social transformations and cultural reevaluations. The tango, a deeply emotional and historically significant genre within Argentinian culture, serves as the perfect medium to express the collective angst and personal melancholia of that era. The song acts as a poignant reflection of a society seeking to find stability in an ever-changing landscape, using cultural elements like tango and the streets of Buenos Aires as backdrops for these personal and communal narratives.
Catulo Castillo was an influential tango lyricist and poet known for his dramatic and emotionally intense compositions, contributing significantly to the richness of Argentine Tango with songs that narrate profound human emotions and societal observations.