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Rating:
LA RECENSIONE
A few years ago, Franco Battiato had the more or less brilliant idea of re-releasing a large part of his strictly experimental production from the seventies. The result of this operation is seven + one discs with a very heterogeneous content. Highs (above all, "Fetus" and "Pollution") and lows.
The sixth chapter of these reissues is "Franco Battiato" (1977). About forty minutes of piano music for just two tracks. In "Café-Table-Musik", the piano of Antonio Ballista and the voice of soprano Alide Maria Salvetta accompany what Battiato himself defines as a true collage "full of substitutions, manipulations, false quotations, or rather: original copies." Stuff already heard in "Clic" to be honest. With better results.
The other track is titled "Zâ". I have never heard anything like it. Before. Nineteen minutes and thirty-three seconds in which the usual Antonio Ballista practically always plays the same chord. With some variations.
Are you ready for all this? I'm not.
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Summary by Bot
This review covers Franco Battiato's 1977 self-titled album, part of a reissue series of his experimental works. While some earlier albums like "Fetus" and "Pollution" are praised, this one is critically viewed. The album features long, minimal piano pieces with mixed artistic impact, making it challenging to appreciate for many listeners.Tracklist
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
Other reviews
By marcoraganato
"Za," which Battiato himself describes as seemingly sparse, almost entirely formed by a piano chord and requiring a meta-analytical listening approach.
I would personally recommend listening to the album in a dark room, perhaps after coming home from a night out. The effect will be transcendental.
By aries
"Zâ" is a sound exploration based almost exclusively on the repetition of the same piano chord, with variations in duration and pauses that create resonances.
A musician as free and courageous as few, capable of fascinating you and at the same time irritating and mocking you.
