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.
Te llaman Malevo is a Tango written by and composed by Aníbal Troilo.
“Te llaman Malevo” presents the poignant story of a man from a humble neighborhood, defined by the struggles and hardships of his upbringing. The protagonist’s journey is marked by resilience, as he worked hard from a young age, and by disillusionment, particularly after being left heartbroken by a woman. This tale captures the loneliness that follows as he abandons his labor and falls into a life of drinking and reminiscing lost dreams. The narrative conveys the profound impact of lost love, culminating in a tragic end.
The lyrics use rich symbolism to convey emotional depth. The “barrio con malvón y luna” evokes a sense of a quaint, impoverished neighborhood, where beauty and harsh reality coexist. The “hambre que suele hacer gambetas” (hunger that dodges) highlights the struggle for survival. The protagonist’s journey of leaving work and diving into a “huella” (path or track) illustrates a path of self-destruction. The “tambor de tacos” (drum of heels) represents fleeting enchantment and illusions that pass by. A pivotal motif is the “copas de ginebra,” symbolizing his attempts to drown sorrows and failed dreams, while “una huella de amargo rencor” (a trail of bitter resentment) underscores the lingering pain of love lost.
Set in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango was composed in 1957, a period marked by social and political change. Buenos Aires is a city with a rich tango heritage, and this piece draws deeply from its urban landscape, with its iconic streets and neighborhoods providing the backdrop. The post-war era in Argentina was characterized by economic challenges and shifting identities, framing the malevo’s transformation and disillusionment. The reference to “boliches” reflects the cultural venues typical of Argentine nightlife at the time, integral to the tango scene.
Aníbal Troilo was a revered Argentine tango composer and bandoneon player, well-known for his contributions to the golden age of tango music. His works often reflect the emotional depth and cultural essence of Argentine tango.