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.
Manon is a Tango written by Antonio Miguel Podestá and composed by Arturo de Bassi.
The lyrics of “Manon” explore a narrative of deep nostalgia and melancholic longing for a lost love named Manon. The protagonist reflects on his life, describing it as old and weary, yet continually revived by the memory of Manon. This connection to the past is bittersweet, representing both joy and sorrow. The phrase “heroine of a neighborhood with snow, French little gaucho, my beautiful Manon,” suggests a mix of local and foreign elements, portraying Manon as both exotic and familiar, symbolizing perhaps a cultural blend or a foreigner who had become integral to the local scene. Ultimately, the narrative is one of unending sorrow marked by the remembrance of a profound love that defines and illuminates the protagonist’s existence.
The name “Manon” itself can symbolize a myriad of elements depending on cultural and literary context, often associated with grace or bitterness in European traditions. In the tango, Manon seems to stand as a symbol of lost love and the impact it has on the protagonist’s life. The repeated use of the terms “life,” “pain,” and “heart” underscores a journey marked by deep emotions and a sense of loss. The lines “The nest was poor, a last ground a little bit of sky from Paris, your great Paris… The moon, among the roofs, decorated the illusion… We dreamed there… We loved, Manon.” vividly use symbolism to evoke a setting that was humble yet filled with grand emotional depth and connection, highlighting contrasts between reality and aspiration, between the small physical space and the vastness of their dreams.
Created in 1969 in Argentina, “Manon” was composed during a time of significant political and social change in the country. This era saw a rise in nationalistic sentiments and an idealization of Argentine identities, which could explain the nostalgic and somewhat nationalistic tone of the tango. The “French little gaucho” could be an embodiment of the cultural blend or the tension between local and foreign influences. Moreover, the reference to Paris connects to broader themes of love, loss, and idealism often associated with the city in global arts and culture, bringing an international dimension to the predominantly local scene described in the tango.
Antonio Miguel Podestá was a notable figure in Argentinian tango, known for his deeply emotional and evocative lyrics.