Otra vez carnaval (Noche de carnaval) by Carlos di Sarli

Otra vez carnaval (Noche de carnaval) is a Tango written by an unknown lyricist and composed by Carlos di Sarli.

Story behind the Tango Otra vez carnaval (Noche de carnaval)

Otra vez carnaval (Noche de carnaval) captures the fleeting and passionate nature of love encountered amidst the vibrant celebrations of Carnival in Buenos Aires. The protagonist reflects on a love affair that blossomed overnight and was as ephemeral as the serpentines thrown during the festive procession. The tango delves into the juxtaposition of the dazzling night and the inevitable solitude that pervades when the festivities end. This transient love affair is both thrilling and melancholic, echoing the bittersweet cadence of tango music itself.

Symbolism of Otra vez carnaval (Noche de carnaval)

The tango employs rich symbolism to juxtapose the intoxicating allure of the night with the ensuing emptiness. The “serpentina de mágico vuelo” symbolizes fleeting passion, reminiscent of the vibrant ribbons that dance in the Carnival air. As these serpentines are entangled in the wheels of a car, they metaphorically represent how carnival love can entrap and ultimately cause heartache. The “antifaz” left on the ground in the dawn symbolizes the masks people wear during such celebrations, representing both anonymity and the superficial aspects of love experienced in these moments. Key phrases such as “en mis labios habrá la ceniza” and “venturas se irán en la aurora” speak to the aftermath of such encounters—ashes of passion that leave a taste of emptiness and the departure of happiness as morning approaches. These phrases evoke the pain of transitory love and the inevitable return to solitude once the revelry subsides.

Otra vez carnaval (Noche de carnaval) in historic Context

Written in 1942, the tango is set against the backdrop of Buenos Aires during the early 20th century—a time when the city was lively with music and dance, and tango was at the heart of its cultural identity. Buenos Aires was known for its elaborate Carnival celebrations, where people from all walks of life would mingle, hidden behind masks, allowing for the convergence of fantasy and reality. The social context of the time, marked by longing and a search for temporary escape from life’s hardships, deeply influences the tango’s themes of ephemeral love and longing.

Carlos di Sarli was a renowned Argentine tango composer and orchestra leader, whose music became synonymous with the elegance and emotive power of the tango genre during its golden age. He left an indelible mark on tango music, both as a composer and an innovator in the orchestration of tango music.