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THE REVIEW
We reach the Boboli Gardens with a slight delay. The atmosphere is immediately welcoming. A nice stage and a varied audience (how lovely to see so many young people!), ready to warm up for our star's performance. The concert, all in all, starts on time. After the appetizer signed by Roberto Cacciapaglia, here comes the orchestra, followed by the philosopher Sgalambro, who opens the event with a poem about the true meaning of the song. Franco appears in a completely black suit, hair tied back, and after welcoming us, he begins with tributes to other artists from the album "Fleurs": "Aria Di Neve" by Endrigo and "Canzone Dell'Amore Perduto" by the immense De André. It's worth noting the orchestral arrangement in the first one.
The concert continues with two more tributes: "Se mai" from the soundtrack of Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin and "Col tempo sai" by Leo Ferré. At this point, I face the biggest surprise of the evening. The orchestra begins "Fornicazione". How long it had been since I last heard it! I am captivated by the lyrics, which sweetly speak of the sexual act and the thoughts that precede and follow it. Truly a lovely surprise! Sgalambro returns to the stage with the usual "Accetta il consiglio", which seems almost improvised, and right after for the duet with Battiato of "La Porta Dello Spavento Supremo". Then we begin to delve into the "classic" repertoire, opened by "Nomadi" and some songs from the latest "X Stratagemmi". Absolutely engaging "Tra Sesso E Castità", with the orchestra supported by a trio (guitar, bass, and drums) that will accompany Battiato's summer tour, the FSC.
The concert heats up, and we begin to warm up with the evergreen "L'Era Del Cinghiale Bianco", with the strings taking center stage. The subdued atmosphere of "Magic Shop" and "Povera patria" calms our "storms" a bit, only to plunge headlong into the catchy rhythm of "Il Cammino Interminabile", sung in Sicilian dialect. It could also be enough, if one wishes. But can I miss the final classics sung at the top of our lungs? Never. After the usual fake stage exit, we arrive at the final tracks. It opens with "L'animale" ("And also the coffee!"), then moves directly to "Centro Di Gravità Permanente", sung by everyone strictly standing. The concert concludes with the national-popular "Cuccurucucu". Battiato improvises a little dance in his style, which generates laughter and makes us smile.
After about two hours spent in contact with the music of one of my total artists of 19 years of life, I feel enriched. We have before us an impromptu Florentine night. Piazzale Michelangelo?
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Summary by Bot
The review captures the enchanting live performance of Franco Battiato at Boboli Gardens, highlighting his blend of classical tributes and beloved hits. The concert's orchestral arrangements and the artist’s intimate stage presence created a memorable night. A surprise with the song “Fornicazione” delighted the audience, while the setlist spanned from poetic openings to energetic finales. The overall atmosphere was warm, young, and deeply engaged.
Franco Battiato
Italian singer-songwriter and composer known for blending experimental electronic music, classical influences and pop. Career spans from the late 1960s through the 2010s. Widely praised for both avant‑garde records and mainstream breakthroughs.96 Reviews
