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.
Por qué le llaman amor is a Tango written by and composed by Carlos di Sarli.
The tango “Por qué le llaman amor” delves into the complexities of love that can be as painful and bewildering as they are intoxicating. The lyrics speak to the contradiction in love—its ability to enchant and yet devastate, its tender promises often broken by despair. The writer captures an intense emotional turmoil, reflecting on a love so consuming it obliterates one’s sense of self, leaving behind profound existential questions. The song can be seen as a lament, questioning why such an overwhelming and sometimes destructive force is labeled as ‘love.’
The lyrics employ rich symbolism to enhance the emotive narrative. The concept of love is juxtaposed with hatred, suggesting its dual nature—one moment uplifting, the next devastating. The phrase “fuerte es como el odio” equates love’s intensity with that of hatred, implying that this love is not gentle but forceful and consuming. Phrases like “mi vida que muere cual fiel mariposa” evoke imagery of fragility and sacrifice, much like a butterfly pinned down, suggesting a sense of beauty trapped and ultimately destroyed. The metaphor of the pinned butterfly also communicates the painful vulnerability exposed in love.
Created in 1954, “Por qué le llaman amor” emerged during a period when Buenos Aires was a vibrant cultural epicenter, particularly for tango, which was a crucial part of its identity. The post-war era in Argentina was marked by both political tumult and cultural flourishing, with tango reflecting the city’s complex emotional landscape. This historical and geographical context underscores the tango’s theme of longing and existential questioning, capturing the melancholic passion typical of Argentine tango culture at that time. Borges and Piazzolla were contemporaries who also explored themes of loss, identity, and existential dread in their works.
Carlos di Sarli was an influential Argentine composer, conductor, and pianist, known for his melodious tangos that combined rhythmic precision with emotional depth. His works remain a significant part of tango repertoire.