Bolero de Mastropiero

Les Luthiers, an Argentine comedy-musical group known for their humorous and satirical take on classical music, presents a unique piece with 'Bolero de Mastropiero.' The song tells the story of Johann Sebastian Mastropiero, a fictional composer who, after a heartbreak, finds himself in a creative slump. To cope, he takes on various roles in the music industry, from critic to conservatory director. This backstory sets the stage for the 'Bolero opus 62,' a parody of the passionate and often exaggerated themes found in traditional boleros.

The lyrics of 'Bolero de Mastropiero' are a playful exaggeration of the intense emotions typically expressed in romantic boleros. The song opens with a dramatic declaration of burning passion and torment, only to humorously undercut it with a mention of 'Pancután,' a fictional remedy. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which continues to oscillate between grandiose declarations of love and absurd, mundane details. The repetition of 'te amo' (I love you) followed by a more tepid 'te aprecio' (I appreciate you) and 'te estimo' (I esteem you) further highlights the comedic contrast.

The song also features a litany of physical attributes, listing body parts in an almost clinical manner, which serves to mock the often superficial nature of romantic adoration in traditional love songs. The exaggerated repetition and the eventual descent into a list of mundane body parts like 'tus codos' (your elbows) and 'tus tobillos' (your ankles) add to the humor. The final section, where the lover's mouth is said to speak of divine and celestial things, only to be repeated ad nauseam, underscores the absurdity and hyperbole that Les Luthiers masterfully employ to satirize romantic clichés.

'Bolero de Mastropiero' is a brilliant example of Les Luthiers' ability to blend musical sophistication with sharp wit. The song not only entertains but also invites listeners to reflect on the often exaggerated nature of romantic expressions in music and literature. Through their clever use of parody, Les Luthiers offer a fresh and humorous perspective on the timeless theme of love.