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.
Magdalena is a Tango written by Del Cisne and composed by Luis Caruso.
The narrative of “Magdalena” unfolds as a poignant reminiscence of a woman named Magdalena, praised for her unparalleled beauty and warmth, which brought light and joy to her neighborhood. The lyrics trace memories of joy she brought, underscored by a communal sense of loss after her departure. The recurring line “No hacen más que recordarla” suggests that Magdalena left a lasting impression on those around her, imprinting herself in their collective memory. This tale is encapsulated in a lament of her absence, making it a poignant evocation of loss and nostalgia.
The song uses floral imagery to symbolize Magdalena’s beauty and purity – she is likened to a flower that no other can match. This metaphor elevates her, positioning her above the mundane and ordinary, and imbues her with a near-celestial quality. The phrase, “No sé con qué frase Te llamó una estrella,” further mystifies Magdalena’s departure by comparing it to a celestial event, a star calling her away, suggesting something divine or inevitable in her leaving, symbolized through her alignment with natural, untouchable elements like stars and flowers.
Recorded in 1943, during a period fraught with global uncertainties of World War II, “Magdalena” emerges likely as a means of cultural and emotional solace. Argentina, although geographically distant from the central theaters of war, was not immune to the war’s psychological and economic impacts. In such a context, Magdalena’s character could symbolize a lost golden era, her memory a retreat to a time of peace and simplicity, her departure suggestive of the innocence and beauty lost to the ravages of time and global upheaval. The reference to her unexpected departure possibly mirrors the sudden changes societies across the world felt during these tumultuous years.
Del Cisne, the lyricist of “Magdalena,” is recognized for contributing to the rich tapestry of Argentine tango, often weaving complex emotions and narratives into his works.