Let's dive into the heart of tango with El Motivo, a classic that resonates with passion and melancholy. This article will explore the soul of El Motivo, providing insights into its poignant lyrics and offering the chords so you can bring this tango to life yourself. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting your tango journey, understanding El Motivo is a must. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of tango, where every note tells a story.

History and Background of El Motivo

The origins of El Motivo are steeped in the rich history of tango. Composed by Juan Carlos Cobián, with lyrics by Pascual Contursi, El Motivo emerged during tango's golden age. Cobián, a prominent pianist and composer, infused the piece with his signature romantic and expressive style. Contursi, known for his ability to capture the essence of heartache and longing, penned lyrics that perfectly complemented Cobián's melody. Together, they created a tango that spoke to the emotions of a generation.

El Motivo's debut marked a significant moment in tango history. It quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in tango halls and milongas across Argentina and beyond. The song's evocative melody and relatable themes of love and loss resonated deeply with audiences. It was a time when tango was evolving, embracing more complex harmonies and incorporating literary influences. El Motivo stood out for its sophisticated musical arrangement and emotionally charged lyrics, setting a new standard for tango compositions. Over the years, El Motivo has been interpreted by numerous artists, each bringing their unique flair to the piece while preserving its original essence. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless quality and its ability to capture the universal human experience of love and longing. As you delve deeper into El Motivo, you'll begin to appreciate the historical and cultural context that shaped its creation and cemented its place in tango history.

Lyrical Analysis: Deciphering the Emotion

The lyrics of El Motivo are a powerful testament to the art of tango storytelling. Pascual Contursi masterfully weaves a tale of lost love and enduring heartache. The words paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the aftermath of a failed relationship, searching for the reason, the "motivo," behind the separation. Each verse is laden with emotion, reflecting the pain, confusion, and resignation that often accompany lost love. The raw honesty and vulnerability in the lyrics are what make El Motivo so relatable and enduring.

Contursi's choice of language is particularly striking. He employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the depth of the narrator's despair. The use of phrases like "corazón herido" (wounded heart) and "lágrimas de olvido" (tears of oblivion) evokes a sense of profound sadness and loss. The lyrics also explore themes of memory and regret, as the narrator reflects on past moments and wonders what could have been done differently. The repetition of certain phrases and motifs throughout the song reinforces the narrator's obsession with finding the motivo behind the breakup. The lyrics are not merely words on a page; they are a window into the soul of someone struggling to come to terms with heartbreak.

Understanding the cultural context of the lyrics is also crucial. Tango emerged as a form of expression for the marginalized and dispossessed, and its lyrics often reflected the hardships and struggles of everyday life. El Motivo is no exception, capturing the sense of disillusionment and despair that permeated Argentine society during the early 20th century. The lyrics also hint at the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of betrayal, abandonment, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty. By delving into the nuances of Contursi's lyrics, we gain a deeper appreciation for the emotional depth and artistic brilliance of El Motivo.

Chord Progression and Musical Structure

El Motivo's musical structure is as captivating as its lyrics. Composed in a minor key, the piece immediately establishes a mood of melancholy and introspection. Juan Carlos Cobián's masterful use of harmony and melody creates a rich and expressive soundscape that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyrics. The chord progression is both elegant and sophisticated, featuring unexpected twists and turns that keep the listener engaged from beginning to end. The chords create a tapestry of sound that enhances the lyrical content.

The chord progression in El Motivo typically follows a pattern that is common in tango music, but Cobián adds his unique flair to it. Expect to see a lot of minor chords, diminished chords, and dominant chords resolving to minor, all contributing to the song's inherent sadness. One of the hallmarks of El Motivo is its use of chromaticism, which involves incorporating notes and chords that are outside of the main key. This adds a touch of harmonic complexity and creates a sense of yearning and longing. The melody is equally memorable, characterized by its lyrical phrasing and expressive dynamics. Cobián's genius lies in his ability to balance the demands of the melody with the underlying harmonic structure, creating a seamless and emotionally resonant musical experience.

Analyzing the musical structure of El Motivo reveals the composer's deep understanding of tango's expressive potential. The arrangement is carefully crafted to highlight the emotional nuances of the lyrics. Instrumental sections often mirror the sentiments expressed in the vocals, creating a powerful synergy between words and music. The use of rubato, a technique that involves speeding up and slowing down the tempo for expressive effect, adds another layer of emotional depth to the performance. Overall, the musical structure of El Motivo is a testament to Cobián's artistry and his ability to create a tango that is both musically sophisticated and emotionally compelling.

Playing El Motivo: Tips and Techniques

So, you want to play El Motivo? Great choice! Bringing this tango to life requires not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of its emotional core. Here are some tips and techniques to help you master El Motivo:

Mastering the Chords

Start by familiarizing yourself with the chords. Practice transitioning smoothly between them, paying attention to voice leading and smooth finger movements. Don't be afraid to experiment with different voicings and inversions to find what sounds best to you. Use a chord chart as a reference, but also listen carefully to recordings of El Motivo to get a feel for how the chords are played in context. Remember, tango is all about feeling, so let your intuition guide you.

Understanding the Rhythm

Tango rhythm is complex and nuanced. El Motivo features a characteristic tango rhythm, which emphasizes certain beats and creates a sense of syncopation. Practice playing along with a metronome to develop a strong sense of timing, but also listen to how tango musicians interpret the rhythm. Pay attention to the subtle variations in tempo and dynamics that add to the music's expressiveness. Try to internalize the rhythm so that it becomes second nature to you. Once you have a solid grasp of the rhythm, you can start to add your own personal touches.

Embodying the Emotion

El Motivo is a deeply emotional piece, so it's important to connect with the feelings it conveys. Think about the lyrics and the story they tell. Imagine yourself in the narrator's shoes, experiencing the pain of lost love and the search for understanding. Let these emotions guide your playing. Don't be afraid to express yourself through your instrument. Use dynamics, phrasing, and vibrato to convey the depth of feeling that is at the heart of El Motivo. Remember, tango is not just about playing the right notes; it's about telling a story.

Listening to the Masters

One of the best ways to improve your playing is to listen to recordings of El Motivo by master tango musicians. Pay attention to their phrasing, their dynamics, and their overall interpretation of the piece. Try to identify the elements that make their playing so compelling. Imitate their techniques, but also strive to develop your own unique voice. Listening to the masters is a great way to learn the nuances of tango and to deepen your appreciation for this beautiful music.

Interpretations and Notable Performances

El Motivo has been interpreted by a wide array of artists, each bringing their unique style and perspective to the piece. From legendary tango singers to contemporary instrumentalists, the song has been reimagined in countless ways. Exploring these different interpretations can offer valuable insights into the song's enduring appeal and its capacity to evoke a range of emotions. Some notable performances of El Motivo include those by Carlos Gardel, arguably the most famous tango singer of all time, whose rendition is considered a classic. His interpretation is characterized by its heartfelt emotion and impeccable phrasing. Other notable performances include those by instrumental ensembles such as the Sexteto Mayor, who bring a sophisticated and virtuosic approach to the piece.

Contemporary artists have also embraced El Motivo, incorporating it into their repertoire and offering fresh interpretations for new audiences. These modern renditions often blend traditional tango elements with contemporary sounds, creating a unique and compelling listening experience. Listening to a variety of interpretations can help you develop your own understanding of the song and inspire you to create your own unique performance. Whether you prefer the classic interpretations or the more modern takes, exploring the different performances of El Motivo is a rewarding way to deepen your appreciation for this timeless tango.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of El Motivo

In conclusion, El Motivo stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of tango. From its poignant lyrics to its captivating melody, the song continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Its themes of love, loss, and longing are universal, transcending cultural boundaries and speaking to the shared human experience. Whether you are a musician, a dancer, or simply a lover of music, El Motivo offers a rich and rewarding experience. By exploring its history, analyzing its lyrics and chords, and listening to its many interpretations, you can gain a deeper appreciation for this timeless tango. So, immerse yourself in the world of El Motivo, and let its beauty and emotion transport you to the heart of tango.