Racconto by Margarita Durán

Racconto is a Tango written by Margarita Durán and composed by Carlos García.

Story behind the Tango Racconto

“Racconto” translates to “recollection” or “tale” in English, and as such, the lyrics provided by Margarita Durán serve as a deep dive into the emotions associated with reminiscence. The primary theme is nostalgia, a longing for the past that is both poignant and somewhat bittersweet. It reflects on memories that are far away and yet vivid, like “reflections of that time.” The feeling of the soul crying, searching for a path back to these memories, emphasizes a profound emotional yearning.

Symbolism of Racconto

Durán uses evocative imagery and symbolism to enhance the emotional landscape of the lyrics. The “dulce calle del ayer” (“sweet street of yesterday”) symbolizes a specific, cherished memory that is no longer accessible but continues to hold a heartfelt place in the narrator’s life. The heart “lit up on a corner” and the “blue glicinas roof” of the home are potent symbols of warmth, safety, and perhaps youth or simpler times. These images are powerful in evoking a sense of place and time that is lost but fondly remembered.

Racconto in historic Context

Written and recorded in 1982 in Argentina, “Racconto” emerges during a period of significant historical and economic challenges in the country. Post the military dictatorship era, which ended in 1983, these years were marked by political and social unrest. In this context, the tango may resonate as a common person’s escape into the comfort of past memories, standing in stark contrast to the prevailing anxiety of the times. Thus, the yearning for a simpler, happier past may have been a sentiment shared widely among her contemporaries, giving the tango a universal appeal.

Margarita Durán

Margarita Durán was a notable figure in the Argentine tango scene, renowned for her poignant lyrical compositions that often captured the essence of daily emotions and cultural reflections.