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.
Rencor is a Tango written by Luis César Amadori and composed by Charlo.
“Rencor” (which translates to “Resentment” or “Bitterness” in English) deeply explores the themes of betrayal, pain, and the struggle to overcome lingering bitterness. The lyrics depict a narrative where the singer addresses their own resentment as an almost separate entity, pleading with it to allow them to forget a past betrayal and to cease the suffering it causes. The emotional journey from betrayal to a yearning for emotional release and renewal is central to the tango, with recurring pleas for the old self to be restored and for life without the constant pain of resentment.
The use of the term ‘rencor’ itself is heavily symbolic, representing more than just personal feelings, but a pervasive, almost physical presence within one’s life. Phrases like “este odio maldito que llevo en las venas” (this cursed hatred that I carry in my veins) personify the resentment as a contaminant in the blood, symbolizing how deeply the betrayal has affected the protagonist. The stark imagery of spitting on the betrayer as a form of rejection and the fear that this resentment might actually be a form of unresolved love (“tengo miedo de que seas amor”) highlights the complexity and depth of the emotional turmoil experienced.
Recorded in 1933 in Argentina, “Rencor” reflects the social and cultural aspects of the Argentine society of the early 20th century, where tango was often a reflection of the everyday struggles and emotional states of its people. During this era, tango music frequently delved into themes of disillusionment, loss, and the darker sides of human emotions, resonating with many who experienced similar hardships and betrayals in their personal lives. This period was also characterized by significant political and social changes in Argentina, which may have influenced the emotional intensity and themes of betrayal in the song.
Luis César Amadori was an influential figure in Argentine theatre and cinema, known for his work both as a playwright and a director. His contribution to the tango genre, enriching it with complex emotional narratives like “Rencor,” is highly regarded.