Oriente by Horacio Sanguinetti

Oriente is a Tango written by Horacio Sanguinetti and composed by Juan Sánchez Gorio.

Story behind the Tango Oriente

Oriente reflects the emotional landscape of loss, longing, and the irreversible passing of love. The lyrics poignantly describe the internal turmoil and regret felt by the narrator as they recount the emotional aftermath of a romantic separation. The recurring motif of sollozo (sobbing) sets a tone of deep sadness, suggesting a profound emotional response to the separation, as if the heart and soul themselves are weeping over the lost love and missed opportunities.

Symbolism of Oriente

The symbolism in “Oriente” enriches the narrative by giving emotional depth to the elements described. “Perfume de rosal” (scent of rosebush) and “rumor callado de cristal” (quiet murmur of crystal) symbolize the fragility and beauty of the past relationship, now lost and unattainable, evoking a sense of nostalgia and delicate beauty that’s been shattered. The “torrente más atroz” (most atrocious torrent) represents a violent and uncontrollable force of negative emotions like resentment and bitterness that swept away the love the couple once shared. This imagery powerfully conveys the destructive nature of these emotions.

Oriente in historic Context

“Oriente”, written during the mid-1940s in Argentina, came about in a period marked by social and political changes post-World War II. The tango, a genre deeply embedded in Argentinian culture, often reflects the sentiments of its people facing shifts in society. The lyrics, imbued with themes of regret and melancholy, might also subtly mirror the collective uncertainties and emotional turmoil of the era, expressing personal loss and disillusionment that could be reflective of broader societal sentiments.

Horacio Sanguinetti

Horacio Sanguinetti was a pivotal figure in the world of Tango, contributing significantly as a lyricist, whose works often explore themes of love, loss, and human emotion.