There is something curious about working on a programme like Italian Journey while living abroad. Certain pieces begin to shift in meaning: they are no longer just repertoire, but places. Venice, Naples, Rome, Mantua — not so much as points on a map, but as states of mind, colours, ways of breathing.
The idea behind the programme is simple, almost obvious: to move across Italy through some of its most iconic opera arias by Verdi, Donizetti, and Puccini, and then to change scale completely, turning to the Italian romanze da salotto of Tosti and Respighi. From the theatre to the salon, from something public and outward to something more intimate, almost private.
And yet, each time we return to it, the journey seems to acquire a slightly different meaning. Perhaps distance has something to do with it. Or perhaps, more simply, it is a way of missing home.
Ralph Woodward and I will bring this programme to Moulton on Saturday 2nd May at 7 pm, at St Peter’s Church.
If you happen to be nearby - or even not so nearby - it would be a real pleasure to see you there, and to share this small journey for an hour or so.
Further details and tickets can be found here. Hope to see you there!
