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.
Una canción is a Tango written by Catulo Castillo and composed by Aníbal Troilo.
The tango “Una canción” delves into the depths of longing and despair, seasoned with the intoxicating effects of alcohol. The lyrics vividly depict a scene of a man pleading with a woman to sing him a song that will drown his sadness and transport him away from his troubles. This plea is set in a melancholic, almost dingy tavern environment (‘bodegón’) where alcohol soothes and numbs the pain momentarily. The repetition of this request underscores the protagonist’s desperation for escape and emotional relief through familiar, albeit sorrowful, melodies.
The song uses vivid imagery and metaphors to breathe life into its themes. The “copa de alcohol” symbolizes solace found in intoxication, providing temporary respite from the harsh realities of life. The “vapor de tango” represents the pervasive and inescapable aura of sadness that the dance and its music traditionally evoke, suggesting an environment filled with raw emotions and nostalgia. Meanwhile, the “voz gangosa de metal” hints at the harsh, perhaps grating reality that the woman’s voice brings, adding a tangible sensation of bitterness that complements the song’s emotional landscape.
“Una canción” was created in 1971, a tumultuous period in Argentina marked by political strife and social unrest. This environment of uncertainty and turbulence could be mirrored in the emotional instability and the search for solace depicted in the tango. The mention of alcohol, a common theme in tango music, also points to the broader cultural context of seeking refuge from societal chaos in the numbness offered by such vices. Thus, the setting and mood of the tango reflect both a personal and a collective sense of despair and longing for escape.
Catulo Castillo was a prominent Argentine poet and tango lyricist known for his profound and emotionally charged lyrics, often reflecting the socio-political landscapes of his times.