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 libro is a Tango written by Ricardo Olcese and composed by Osvaldo Donato.
The song “Un libro,” crafted by Ricardo Olcese in 1941, draws an analogy between a person’s life and a book, reflecting on themes of pain, loss, healing, and revival. Set against the backdrop of a person almost defeated by life’s hardships, the lyrics recount how this soul finds solace and renewal in the “sweet love” of another, symbolizing hope and a new beginning after enduring relentless suffering. The narrative conveys a profound emotional journey, transitioning from despair to revitalization through newfound love and support.
The symbol of the ‘book’ in “Un libro” is central to its emotional impact and cultural significance. This metaphor represents the various chapters of one’s life, insinuating both the inevitability of distress and the potential for joy, highlighted by phrases like “Desahuciado por la suerte” and “Salpicado en tus páginas de oro por un lodo maldito y traidor.” The ‘book’ serves as a record of experiences, imbued with both “eternal pleasures” and “endless distaste,” reflecting the dual nature of human experiences. Such language choices not only raise the storytelling to a universal level but also deepen the tangibility of the emotions portrayed.
The tango “Un libro” was penned and recorded in 1941, a period marked by global upheaval and nearing the end of the Infamous Decade in Argentina—a time characterized by political instability and economic downturn. This context is reflected in the tone of hardship and resilience in the lyrics. It was a time when many felt “tossed about ceaselessly” by fate (“Dando tumbos sin cesar”), mirroring the national sentiment. The intertwining of personal revival with a broader sense of hope perhaps served as a metaphorical remedy for the collective suffering of the Argentine people during this era.
Ricardo Olcese was a notable tango lyricist active in the early to mid-20th century in Argentina, known for his deep emotional narratives and strong cultural resonances in his compositions.