Tormenta by Enrique Santos Discépolo

Tormenta is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discépolo and composed by Enrique Santos Discépolo.

Story behind the Tango Tormenta

The song ‘Tormenta,’ which translates to ‘Storm’ in English, immerses us into the depths of the narrator’s turbulent emotions. It features remote accordions spreading their foggy birds into the night and a chorus of ghosts crying out from the shadows. These figures symbolically ask why the narrator weeps, sings, doesn’t curse his beloved, and why he loved her so deeply. The lyrics reveal a passion so intense and memorable, yet surrounded by pain and remorse, reminiscent of a tempestuous storm.

Symbolism of Tormenta

The key phrases in ‘Tormenta’ are panoramic in their emotional and symbolic reach. For example, ‘remote accordions unfold in the night’ evokes a sense of distance and melancholy, while ‘birds of mists’ could symbolize the elusive and fleeting nature of the past affection. Moreover, the ‘chorus of ghosts’ might represent the haunting memories of the lost love. The storm here is not just a weather phenomenon but a metaphor for the internal chaos and the emotional upheaval the narrator experiences.

Tormenta in historic Context

Composed in 1962, ‘Tormenta’ emerged during a period defined by significant cultural and political shifts in Argentina. This era, closer to the turn of a socially and economically turbulent decade, likely influenced Discépolo’s portrayal of personal turmoil mirrored by societal chaos. The tango, with its evocative melancholy and introspective lyrics, is a reflection not only of personal grief but possibly of the collective discontent and dramatic ambiance of the time.

Enrique Santos Discépolo

Enrique Santos Discépolo was an acclaimed Argentine musician, playwright, and composer, renowned for his poignant and critical tangos that often reflected his deep social and political concerns.