Qué Tango Hay Que Cantar
Cacho Castaña
The Heartache in Harmony: Exploring 'Qué Tango Hay Que Cantar' by Cacho Castaña
In 'Qué Tango Hay Que Cantar,' Cacho Castaña delves into the depths of heartbreak and the solace found in music, particularly the tango. The song opens with a poignant plea to the bandoneón, a type of accordion prominent in tango music, asking which tango should be sung to alleviate the singer's suffering. This personification of the bandoneón sets a tone of deep emotional connection and reliance on music as a means to express and soothe the pain of lost love.
The lyrics reference iconic figures in tango history, such as Carlos Gardel and the lyricist Discepolín, enhancing the song's cultural richness and its roots in the Argentine tango tradition. The mention of Gardel, who never sang the tango in question, and Discepolín, possibly leaving behind a verse for the singer, bridges past and present in the tango world, suggesting a timeless quality to the feelings of love and loss. The bandoneón is not just an instrument but a companion in sorrow, sharing in the universal experience of heartbreak, as illustrated by the narrative of Malena, a woman who left both the singer and the bandoneón heartbroken.
The recurring question, 'Qué tango hay que cantar,' symbolizes the search for a remedy through music, asking which melody can heal the wounds of a love that is no more. This quest for healing is intertwined with the act of performing, using the tango to mask the pain in front of others, yet sharing a very personal grief with the audience through the music's emotive power.