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Viejo Madrid

Viejo Madrid is a Tango written by Mariano Mores and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1962. The Tango Viejo Madrid is written by Mariano Mores, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Viejo Madrid with the singer Jorge Valdez.
“Viejo Madrid,” or “Old Madrid,” evokes the timeless charm of Spain’s capital through an elegant dance of notes. As the music flows, it captivates with images of cobblestone streets and ancient plazas, where stories of romance and history intertwine. This piece effortlessly transports the listener to a bygone era, embracing the heart of Madrid’s enduring soul.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Jorge Valdez

Singer

Rodolfo M. Taboada

Author

Mariano Mores

Composer

1962/9/3

Date

Jorge Valdez
Jorge Valdez
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Viejo Madrid

This is the translation of the Tango “Viejo Madrid” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Viejo Madrid” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Viejo Madrid

Viejo Madrid, mi tango
Templado en mil dolores
Viene a ofrecerte en su cuita
La rosa marchita
De sus amores…

Nocturnos bandoneones
Desgarran su gemido
Y en alas de ese llanto
Vuela mi canto
Madrid querido…

Por las calles de Alcalá la vi una tarde…
Y fue un milagro de amor… Fue una alborada
La luz celeste de aquella mirada
Y ese milagro de amor, Madrid querido
Llora escondido
En mi corazón…

Con tu “chotís”
Y un tango así
También se baila canyengue
Sin perder compás…
Pruébalo… ya verás…
Y así con este tango
Que la nostalgia empaña
Voy deshojando en sus rosas
Las horas dichosas
Que me dio España…
Verás que en este tango
Hay un zorzal sin nido
Que errante entre las sombras
Canta y te nombra
Madrid querido…
Y así te soñé mi tango…

Viejo Madrid… adiós… adiós…

English lyrics of the Tango "Viejo Madrid"

Old Madrid, my tango,
Tempered in a thousand pains,
Comes to offer you in its sorrow
The wilted rose
Of its loves…

Nocturnal bandoneons
Tear apart their moan,
And on the wings of that weeping
Flies my song,
Beloved Madrid…

I saw her one afternoon on the streets of Alcalá…
And it was a miracle of love, it was a dawn
The celestial light of that gaze,
And that miracle of love, beloved Madrid
Cries hidden
In my heart…

With your “chotis,”
And a tango like this,
You can also dance canyengue
Without losing the beat…
Try it… you’ll see…
And so with this tango
Blurred by nostalgia
I’m plucking its roses
The blissful hours
That Spain gave me…
You’ll see that in this tango
There’s a nestless thrush
That wanders among the shadows,
Singing and calling your name,
Beloved Madrid…
And so I dreamed you, my tango…

Old Madrid… goodbye… goodbye…

Viejo Madrid by Rodolfo M. Taboada

Viejo Madrid is a Tango written by Rodolfo M. Taboada and composed by Mariano Mores.

Story behind the Tango Viejo Madrid

“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.

Symbolism of Viejo Madrid

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.

Viejo Madrid in Historic Context

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

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.