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.
Vieja recova is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.
In “Vieja Recova,” the narrator recounts a sorrowful encounter with a once-lavish woman from his past, now reduced to a pitiful beggar. As he wanders a lonely path, grappling with his own despair, he unexpectedly meets this woman, whose life has drastically declined. Touched by her misfortune, he gives her some coins, recognizing her despite her attempts to conceal her face. This moment of recognition brings back memories of her brighter days, filled with dreams and bubbly champagne, contrasted sharply with the grim reality of her present.
The phrase “Vieja Recova” is symbolic of past grandeur and present decay, suggesting a place filled with lived history and current desolation. It reflects not only physical locations but also the personal deteriorations of those who once thrived there. The juxtaposition of the woman’s past and present conditions symbolizes the cruel turns of fate and the harsh realities of aging and misfortune. The term “recova,” meaning arcade or market area in English, also invokes the image of a once-bustling space, now quiet and neglected, mirroring the woman’s life trajectory.
“Vieja recova” was written in 1950, during a period when Argentina was experiencing significant political and social changes. The themes of downfall and despair in the song potentially mirror the public sentiment about instability and decline during times of political upheaval. Mentions of specific architectural elements common in Buenos Aires, such as “recova,” also place the story firmly within the cultural and physical landscape of Argentina, offering a poignant look at the destabilizing effects of time on both individuals and their environments.
Enrique Cadícamo was a prolific Argentine lyricist and poet, notable for his contributions to Tango music. His works often reflect deep emotion and the complexities of urban life.