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.
Viejo Madrid is a Tango written by Rodolfo M. Taboada and composed by Mariano Mores.
“Viejo Madrid” captures a deep sense of nostalgia and longing through its emotive language and stirring musical composition. It expresses the sentimental journey of an individual who carries the bittersweet memories of love experienced in the vibrant streets of Madrid. The primary themes revolve around love, loss, and the transformative power of music and memory. The narrative of encountering a miraculous love one afternoon in Madrid and the everlasting impact of that moment plays a central role in the lyrics.
The tango utilizes rich symbolisms to deepen its emotional effect. Phrases like “la rosa marchita de sus amores” (the withered rose of his loves) symbolize the fading memories of past loves, suggesting both beauty and loss. Bandoneons, traditional instruments in tango music, are described as delivering nocturnal cries, translating the inner turmoil of the vocalist into a universal language of sorrow. The “zorzal sin nido” (nestless thrush) is another poignant metaphor representing the singer’s feelings of displacement and loneliness, despite being surrounded by memories.
Released in 1962, “Viejo Madrid” comes from a period when tango music often reflected deep socio-cultural sentimentality, particularly encapsulating feelings of displacement many felt during mid-20th century societal shifts. The references to specific dances like the “chotís” and the “canyengue” provide a cultural bridge, showcasing the fusion of traditional Spanish dances with Argentine tango. The mention of locations like “calles de Alcalá” helps ground the song in a real geographical and cultural backdrop, Madrid being a city of historical and romantic significance both to Spain and the wider world.
Rodolfo M. Taboada was a renowned Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the genre of tango, collaborating with notable composers to create memorable pieces that resonate deeply within the cultural fabric of Argentina.