Narrative Concerts
A Multifaceted Artistic Experience
Narrative concerts are based on a versatile and artistic communication axis that fosters responsible learning through various narrative and educational tools.
These performances seamlessly blend live music—either original or arranged pieces—with brief stories, readings, anecdotes, curiosities, and, in some productions, custom-created projections or slide shows.
There are no costumes, sets, props, or lighting changes.
In this minimalist approach, the spoken word and simple gestures take center stage, but it’s the musical performance that truly shines.
The music is carefully crafted, either adhering to the historical practices of the period in which the performance is set or reinterpreted with a contemporary twist.
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The main goal of narrative concerts is to engage and educate. Narration avoids the outdated academic style and is instead relaxed, and accessible to everyone.
The atmosphere is light, interesting, and enjoyable for everyone.
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Solo on stage, Fernando Fracassi delves into a wide range of topics, from musicology to philosophy, literature to visual and performing arts, psychology to current events.
Theatrical Season 2025
La canzone italiana nel Fascismo
(1945-2025)
80° anniversario dalla liberazione
Un’esperienza unica che unisce musica, storia e memoria, questo concerto narrativo esplora la canzone italiana durante il Ventennio fascista, mettendo in risalto la sua evoluzione in risposta agli eventi drammatici che hanno segnato l’Italia e il mondo intero. Dal 1925 al 1945, la musica si intreccia con la politica, diventando veicolo di consenso, ma anche di resistenza e speranza in un periodo di profonda tensione sociale e culturale.
Lo spettacolo alterna esecuzioni strumentali di celebri brani di autori come Cesare Andrea Bixio, Ernesto De Curtis e Giovanni Mascheroni, con racconti storici che tracciano le tappe cruciali del Ventennio. Vengono evocati eventi storici fondamentali come l’ascesa del fascismo, la promulgazione delle leggi razziali, l’entrata dell’Italia nella Seconda Guerra Mondiale, l’invasione della Polonia da parte della Germania e le drammatiche conseguenze del conflitto mondiale. Ogni brano musicale si inserisce in un contesto storico specifico, contribuendo a dipingere il quadro complesso di quegli anni.
Musicalmente, il concerto mette in evidenza le caratteristiche stilistiche dell’epoca, con particolare attenzione all’influenza dello swing e della musica da ballo. Lo swing, che ebbe una grande popolarità in Italia negli anni ’30, diventa il linguaggio musicale di un’epoca che cercava di sfuggire alla realtà con momenti di evasione. Le esecuzioni strumentali, attraverso l’utilizzo di flauti e altri strumenti, enfatizzano la fluidità e l'eleganza di questi brani, ma anche la loro capacità di esprimere emozioni contrastanti, come la gioia di vivere e la consapevolezza del dramma che incombeva sul paese.
Oltre ai compositori, vengono ricordati i grandi interpreti dell'epoca, come Caruso, Nilla Pizzi, Gigli e Domenico Modugno, che con la loro voce hanno raccontato l’Italia di quegli anni, segnata da un contrasto tra ottimismo e disperazione, tra l’entusiasmo della propaganda e la triste realtà della guerra.
Questo concerto vuole essere una riflessione profonda non solo sulla musica, ma anche sulla storia che ha forgiato la nostra identità. Ogni canzone, ogni racconto, ogni nota, è un invito a ricordare e a comprendere meglio il nostro passato, offrendo un’esperienza che parla direttamente al cuore e alla mente del pubblico.
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Per organizzatori o managers, contattare il management, tramite questo bottone:
Italian Song during the Fascist Era (1945-2025)
80 Anniversary
of the liberation
A unique experience that blends music, history, and memory, this narrative concert explores Italian song during the Fascist era, highlighting its evolution in response to the dramatic events that marked Italy and the world. From 1925 to 1945, music intertwined with politics, becoming a vehicle for both consensus and resistance, as well as hope, during a period of deep social and cultural tension.
The performance alternates instrumental renditions of famous pieces by composers such as Cesare Andrea Bixio, Ernesto De Curtis, and Giovanni Mascheroni, with historical narratives that trace the key moments of the Fascist era. Fundamental events like the rise of Fascism, the enactment of racial laws, Italy’s entry into World War II, the invasion of Poland by Germany, and the devastating consequences of the war are all evoked. Each piece of music is placed within a specific historical context, contributing to the portrayal of the complex years of that time.
Musically, the concert highlights the stylistic features of the period, with particular focus on the influence of swing and dance music. Swing, which became hugely popular in Italy in the 1930s, served as the musical language of an era that sought to escape reality through moments of diversion. The instrumental performances, using flutes and other instruments, emphasize the fluidity and elegance of these songs, but also their ability to express contrasting emotions, such as joy for life and the awareness of the looming tragedy.
In addition to the composers, the great interpreters of the time are remembered, such as Caruso, Nilla Pizzi, Gigli, and Domenico Modugno, who, with their voices, conveyed the Italy of those years, marked by a contrast between optimism and despair, between the enthusiasm of propaganda and the harsh reality of war.
This concert aims to be a profound reflection not only on music but also on the history that shaped our identity. Every song, every story, every note, is an invitation to remember and better understand our past, offering an experience that speaks directly to the heart and mind of the audience.
For managers and concert organizers, contact us via the button:
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Previous
Shows
THEATER SEASONS FROM 2013 TO 2024
From the ancient workshops of musical instruments, Fernando Fracassi virtually invites the audience to step into the Renaissance courts where poetry was recited, jesters performed, entertaining music played, and choreographed dances unfolded. This atmosphere provides context for the evolution of musical, poetic, and narrative forms within the historical and political framework of Leonardo's time, including the speculative and ethical excesses in the proliferation of methods and guides, such as Giovanni della Casa's famous Galateo or Lorenzoni's Method for Flute highlighting the paradoxes of that society.
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This opportunity enables Fernando Fracassi to showcase live performances featuring original music from the era, arranged for modern instruments and played on various flutes. Leonardo's persona serves as the connecting thread that unites diverse realms of knowledge from the sixteenth century, alongside the locations he inhabited and worked in. This is illustrated through his unique perspective on life and art, as conveyed through quotes, anecdotes, and reflections.
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Leonardo and Music diverges from the typical academic lecture tailored exclusively for experts or the formal atmosphere of a conference or summit dedicated to Leonardo studies. Instead, it embraces a fluid, accessible narrative, employing a direct and lucid language that welcomes all, irrespective of their cultural background, geographical origin, or expertise, to delve into Leonardo da Vinci's multifaceted intellect and artistry, alongside the vibrant society of the sixteenth century vividly depicted in his works and writings.
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While Leonardo's ingenuity as an architect, engineer, and inventor is not the focal point, the discussion encompasses the advent of printing and its impact on the proliferation of musical amateurism and public concerts, alongside other cultural dimensions.
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Drawing inspiration from Dario Fo's grand theatrical style and Italo Calvino's approach in American Lessons, as adapted by Giorgio Albertazzi, the scenographic and narrative structure remains minimalist, devoid of elaborate stagecraft or costumes. This deliberate simplicity allows the audience to engage with the musical and theatrical performance as if participating in an animated discussion among friends about Leonardo and the societal nuances of his era, conveyed through music—a platform conducive to reflection, acquisition of new insights, and moments of levity and camaraderie.
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Purchase the audiobook and the digital album (music tracks only) at our digital store, or contact us for show booking.
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Musical selection taken from the narrative concert 'Leonardo and Music'
What connects Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, and Francis Poulenc? These composers each penned significant chapters in the history of music, spanning diverse historical, philosophical, and artistic eras.
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From Bach's profound religiosity to the courtly compositions of the eighteenth century, from Beethoven's pioneering spirit of musical freedom to Schumann's embodiment of the romantic artist, and onward to Francis Poulenc's groundbreaking contributions in the early twentieth century, they shaped and reshaped musical landscapes.
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Through the monologue technique, accompanied by live renditions of their masterpieces, Fracassi vividly contextualizes each composer within their historical epoch. Drawing from contemporary events, philosophical musings, and the literary and artistic currents of their time, this musical narrative transcends academic discourse, embracing a storytelling approach rich with anecdotes, curiosities, and humor. It is a captivating spectacle, essential not only for expanding one's musical knowledge but also for delving deeper into the enchanting realm of Classical music.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience—a gateway to a world where history, philosophy, and art converge in the harmonious strains of Classical compositions.
Purchase the audiobook and the digital album (music tracks only) at our digital store, or contact us for show booking.
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