Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Italian Music: A Journey Through the Seasons
The thornbush of an eternal doubt stings,
an anthill of things gone,
of those who always wait for winter
to desire a new summer
Letter by Francesco Guccini (1996) is a poignant reflection on the passing of time and the human experience. As the biting cold of winter sets in, it’s natural to feel a sense of nostalgia and longing for the warmth of summer.
Seasonal Inspirations in Italian Music
Readers have been inspired to share their favorite songs that evoke the spirit of the seasons. Modesto Fantini suggests Letter, while Stefano Della Scala recommends “Ballad for four seasons” by Ivan Graziani. Filippo Ghirardi proposes “Early spring” by Laura Pausini, which recalls “Deer in spring” by Riccardo Cocciante. The owners of this column also mention the parodic vocalizations of Diego Abatantuono, who once sang “I will be reborn as a mountain deer” and “I will be reborn as a deer in spring”.
Amedeo Cabrini writes about the sweet melodies of Sergio Endrigo, including “The sweet summer” and “If that’s the case”. Mimmo Paparo suggests “Winter” by De André and “Fall” by Guccini, while Neri Rossi praises Endrigo’s “It was summer” as a sublime treatment of the topic. Other notable mentions include “Summer on you” by Jovanotti and “Mechanical rhapsody” by Francesco Currà.
A Closer Look at Guccini’s “Letter”
“Letter” is one of Guccini’s most mature songs, where music and words proceed with exemplary balance. The piece opens with an instrumental introduction based on turns I-IV-VI, strengthened by the D pedal on the bass. The structure alternates four narrative verses with instrumental sections that amplify its emotional breadth, with a sax that intervenes as an expressive comment. The verses, initially harmonically stable, are enriched when the melody rises, faithfully following the meaning of the text.
For more information and to share your own favorite seasonal songs, write to canzoniereitaliano@gmail.com. Don’t forget to listen to Francesco Currà’s songs and the album “Mechanical rhapsody” (1976), as well as “Let off steam you beasts” by Roberto Colombo (1976).
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