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.
Racconto is a Tango written by Margarita Durán and composed by Carlos García.
‘Racconto’ translates to ‘recollection’ or ‘account’ in English, encapsulating the essence of revisiting and narrating past experiences. Durán utilizes the metaphor of life as a narrative, unfolded and recounted through her lyrics. The primary theme revolves around a poignant longing and a wistful homage to the past—a common emotional thread in much of the Tango genre, which often reflects on loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The emotional depth of the song is palpable as the narrator remembers the joyous moments embedded in specific locations and times, now distant memories that evoke both warmth and a sense of irrevocable loss.
Margarita Durán employs vivid symbolism to enhance the emotional weight of ‘Racconto.’ Phrases such as “el corazón se iluminó en una esquina” (the heart lit up on a corner) and “mi techo azul de glicinas” (my blue roof of wisterias) are not merely nostalgic recollections but also denote significant life moments wherein personal histories and emotions intersect with concrete geographical locations. ‘Blue roof of wisterias’ symbolizes a safe and cherished personal space, potentially a family home, reflecting the comfort and beauty of the past. The heart lighting up at a corner could symbolize a moment of love or significant personal discovery that occurred unexpectedly in daily routines.
Recorded in 1966, during a vibrant yet complex era for Argentine tango, ‘Racconto’ resonates with the personal and social transitions of the time. The 1960s in Argentina were a period marked by societal shifts and the emergence of new cultural expressions while maintaining strong ties to traditional forms like Tango. During such a period of reflection and transformation, nostalgia for ‘simpler times’ or the ‘days of old’ serves as a powerful narrative thread, connecting the personal with the collective memory. In this context, Durán’s lyrics do not just recount personal history but also echo a communal sentiment of longing for the past amidst rapid modernization and social change.
Margarita Durán was a notable figure in Argentine Tango, known for her poetic songwriting, which imbues traditional Tango music with rich narrative and emotional depth.