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.
Luna is a Tango written by Homero Manzi and composed by Lucio Demare.
The lyrics of “Luna” encapsulate a profound sense of loss and longing, portraying the speaker’s deep yearning for a loved one who has passed away. The moon (“Luna”) is invoked as a silent witness to the speaker’s pain, eliciting a poignant atmosphere throughout the piece. Through this lunar metaphor, Manzi externalizes his internal sorrow, creating a universal dialogue with nature about personal grief. The mention of the loved one being as ephemeral as different natural elements—cloud, feather, rain, and sea flavor—adds to the transient nature of life and relationships highlighted in the song.
The repeated invocation of the moon serves as the central symbol in this tango, reflecting the pallor and coldness associated with death and loss. It acts as a source of light, trying to fill the void left by the departed soul, whom the speaker clearly continues to grieve deeply. The phrases “Fue nube, fue pluma de ala” (She was cloud, she was feather of a wing) employ symbolism that celebrates the ethereal and fleeting nature of the loved one, emphasizing the beauty and brief connection that the speaker had with her. Furthermore, the mention of “Lluvia de tu harina iluminada” (Rain of your illuminated flour) can symbolize the tears shed under the moonlight, marked by their sadness and inability to change the past.
The tango “Luna” was written in 1957, a time post-World War II where global sentiments were deeply imbued with themes of loss, reminiscence, and the collective mourning of what once was. In Argentina, the mid-20th century was also a period marked by significant political and social changes. This setting possibly influenced Manzi to explore themes of personal and collective nostalgia, loss, and the longing for what is irretrievably lost, themes that resonate widely with his audience during this era. The historic and geographical backdrop thus amplifies the emotional resonance of the tango, speaking to a community grappling with change and loss.
Homero Manzi was a renowned Argentine tango lyricist, famed for his poignant and evocative lyrics that capture the soul of Buenos Aires and the complex emotions of its people.