Giacomo Puccini
Written by admin on 5 March, 2009 – 8:11 am -
Alessio Boni as Giacomo Puccini (Rai 1)
This week, to celebrate 150 years since the birth of Giacomo Puccini, Rai Uno screened a two part drama about the life of the world famous composer. As I have recently been to Lucca, Puccini’s birthplace, and Nagasaki, the setting for Madama Butterfly, I thought maybe it was about time to find out more about the Maestro.
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Festival della Canzone Italiana
Written by admin on 17 February, 2009 – 4:50 pm -Tonight begins the Festival di Sanremo (Sanremo Music Festival) – Italy’s equivalent of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Simone Cristicchi – Ti regalerò una rosa (Winner 2007, Categoria Artisti)
This annual contest, which lasts until Saturday, is held at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo. It is split into two categories – Categoria Artisti (or i Big) for established artists, Categoria Nuove Proposte or (i Giovani) for newcomers. Each artist performs their song several times throughout the week, and special guests make appearances. In the past many famous names have participated including Zucchero, Andrea Bocelli, Vasco Rossi, Laura Pausini, Elisa and Eros Ramazzoti.
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Fabrizio De André
Written by admin on 12 January, 2009 – 12:23 pm -Over the last few months I have discovered some wonderful Italian singer-songwriters / musicians. Using this blog I would like to share some of them with you. Maybe you will like some of my recommendations, maybe not, as taste is a very personal thing, but if nothing else you will be introduced to some of the most important figures in Italian music.
Yesterday, Sunday 11th January, marked ten years since the death of Fabrizio De André, an Italian singer-songwriter and poet. The cultural television programme che tempo che fa hosted a special evening, along with his wife, in his honour. The lineup of singers performing his songs included Gianna Nannini, Lucio Dalla, Franco Battiato, Jovanotti, Tiziano Ferro and Cristiano De André (the son).
It was the first time I had heard many of these songs – maybe they should be described as poems such was their hold over me. Hopefully this clip of the song Geordie (performed by Fabrizio De André) will better demonstrate.
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