Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
Un alma buena is a Tango written by José María Contursi and composed by Aquiles Aguilar.
The lyrics of “Un alma buena” vividly describe the intense pain and sorrow of an individual confronting the death of a loved one. The opening lines, likening a scream to a knife stabbing into the skin, set a tone of deep emotional agony. This metaphor encapsulates the sudden and penetrating nature of grief. As the narrative unfolds, the speaker reflects on their isolation and the overwhelming sense of loss, punctuated by a visit to the deceased’s resting place, where prayers and pleas for forgiveness are laid bare.
The song uses compelling imagery and metaphors to accentuate the emotional turmoil experienced by the narrator. The “knife” is a recurring symbol, representing the sharp, cutting pain of loss, a pain that reaches deep into the heart. The mention of “duendes de dolor” (sprites of pain) personifies the loneliness and grief that fill the speaker’s solitude, suggesting how pervasive and consuming these feelings are. The refrain “Es el grito de un puñal” (It is the scream of a knife) underscores the continuous, piercing nature of sorrow. Furthermore, the act of kneeling before a Christ figure highlights themes of redemption and forgiveness, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of suffering and reconciliation.
“Un alma buena” was crafted amidst the cultural and political milieu of Argentina in 1952, a period marked by significant social changes and a strong connection to Catholicism which influences its spiritual references. This era in Argentine history, with its complex dance between tradition and modernity, likely informs the song’s themes of eternal love and mourning, resonating deeply with the communal psyche of pain and solace found through faith. The phrase “Nadie me conoce aquí, dirán: ¡Es un alma buena!” reflects a societal judgment based on appearances and superficial understanding, common in close-knit communities during this time.
José María Contursi was an influential figure in the Tango genre, known for his deeply emotional lyrics and complex characters within his songs.