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 Cátulo Castillo and composed by Aníbal Troilo.
“Una canción” captures a vivid scene in a bar, where alcohol flows and echoes of a sorrowful, yet melodic voice fill the air. The narrator, engulfed in the melancholic embrace of an accordion, requests a woman to repeat her song. This song, characterized by a hoarse, metallic voice, seemingly bathes in the smells and tastes of a life both sweet and poignant. Castillo’s lyrics invite listeners into a narrative of fading love and lingering sadness, where music serves as both a refuge and a reminder of what has been lost.
In “Una canción,” various elements are imbued with deep symbolic meaning that enhances their emotional impact. The “copa de alcohol” represents not just physical intoxication but also a deeper, emotional inebriation—a means to cope with the pain of the present. The “bodegón,” a type of still-life or tavern, symbolizes the everyday life that continues in the background of personal tragedies. The “vapor de tango” symbolizes the pervasive nature of this cultural music expression, enveloping and influencing the mood and actions of those it touches. Phrases like “tu corazón… tiene gusto a miel” amplify the bittersweet essence of memories and love, evoking a sensation that is both desirable and laden with sadness.
“Una canción” was composed in 1953, a period of considerable political and social change in Argentina. This was a moment not just of local but also global transition, recovering from the impact of World War II and moving towards modernization. In this context, the themes of despair in the tango could mirror the collective sense of uncertainty and the longing for the past. The focus on intimate settings like bars, and the emphasis on personal stories, reflect the societal inclination towards introspection and familiar comfort found in the traditional sounds of tango during turbulent times.
Cátulo Castillo was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist. His works are celebrated for their deep emotional charge and intricate portrayal of human sentiments.