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.
Va a cantar un ruiseñor is a Tango written by an unknown author and composed by Andrés Domenech.
The tango “Va a cantar un ruiseñor” revolves around themes of love, betrayal, and emotional resilience. The lyrics depict a night of communal gathering and celebration in La Paloma, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires. A nightingale (ruiseñor), symbolizing a singer or a heart burdened with grief, is poised to sing about the pain caused by lost love. The sentiment of shared heartbreak and longing encapsulates the emotional depth of the piece, inviting others to partake in the catharsis of song and drink. The narrator reflects on past illusions of love that eventually faded due to heartbreak, and the night is emotionally charged with both melancholy and camaraderie.
Symbolism plays a crucial role in the lyrics, with the “ruiseñor” (nightingale) embodying the pure expression of deep sorrow and unfulfilled love. The invitation to “hagan rueda” (form a circle) suggests unity and shared experiences, emphasizing the communal aspect of dealing with heartbreak. “Aguardiente” (distilled liquor) represents not only the attempt to drown sorrow but also the traditions of social gatherings in tango culture. The use of phrases like “amor de mi juventud” speaks to the fleeting nature of youthful love, while “que se callen las chicharras” (let the cicadas be silent) signifies the need for profound attention to the heart’s true lamentation, underscoring the solemnity of the occasion.
Written in 1942, “Va a cantar un ruiseñor” is set against the backdrop of Buenos Aires during a time when tango was an integral part of the city’s cultural identity. Emerging from a city known for its colorful and lively neighborhoods, this tango reflects the social and emotional dynamics of its time. The lyrics highlight community gatherings and the intertwined lives of locals, resonating with the historical context where communal engagement and cultural expression through music provided solace amid uncertainties. The choice of “La Paloma” as a setting ties the narrative to a specific locale, adding to the authenticity and the sense of place central to Buenos Aires’ tango milieu.
Andrés Domenech was a notable composer in the Argentine tango scene, revered for his emotive compositions and contributions to the genre. His works often capture the essence of Argentine culture and the universal themes of love and longing.