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 vida es una milonga is a Tango written by Fernando Montoni, Rodolfo Sciammarella and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.
‘La vida es una milonga’ translates to ‘Life is a milonga’ in English, encapsulating a philosophy where life’s unpredictable nature is compared to milonga, a lively dance that requires adaptability and skill. The lyrics reflect a common human condition of yearning and dissatisfaction, illustrating how everyone, regardless of their situation, looks forward to improving their circumstances, some with valid reasons and others without. The recurring reminder that ‘life is a milonga’ serves to advise that just as in tango, one must learn to navigate the complexities of life adeptly.
The song uses the milonga, a precursor to tango known for its fast and rhythmic pattern, as a metaphor for life’s ups and downs. Phrases like “Todos viven suspirando” (Everyone lives sighing) and “Nadie aguanta la tormenta” (No one withstands the storm) tap into emotions of longing and hardship. The dance floor symbolizes the world stage where life unfolds, and not keeping up the pace (‘El que pierde su compás’) is akin to falling behind in life’s journey. The lyrics poetically nudge the listener to engage actively with life, as sitting out (‘es triste estar sentado’) means missing out on its dances.
Recorded in 1941, amidst global and local upheavals, including the lead-up to and events of World War II, ‘La vida es una milonga’ offers a reflective insight into societal attitudes. Argentina in the early-1940s was marked by political and economic shifts, influencing its cultural output. This tango, with its evocation of resilience in the face of adversity and an emphasis on personal agency (‘hay que saberla bailar’), mirrors the Argentine spirit of the time that saw dance as not just art but also an escape and a subtle resistance to life’s harsher realities.
Fernando Montoni and Rodolfo Sciammarella were prominent figures in the Argentine tango scene, known for their evocative lyrics and compositions that resonate with the spirit of their times.