Susanna Parigi
L'Insulto Delle Parole

LA RECENSIONE

"Now even this, Susanna, the insult. The insult of words. This "changing the names of things or changing things while keeping their names," as you say. Words that insult and words that are insulted, and what comes of it. The discussion is long."

Just as Pasquale Panella writes in the introductory notes, the discussion is long and not easily addressed. However, pianist Susanna Parigi manages in an astonishing way to delve into the theme of the use and abuse of words, creating a concept of the highest lyrical and musical value. Released in 2009, The Insult of Words is an independent work crafted, against all odds, with great care in every aspect: from significant collaborations (Kaballà as co-author of the texts, the Arké String Quartet in orchestral performances) to the exquisite packaging with texts translated into English, not to mention the audio and video contributions of Lella Costa, Andrea Pinketts, Corrado Augias in the multimedia track.

It is an ambitious project on paper, yet the result that can be heard is something magical. An experience that involves you, enriches you, and transforms you: "too many words in life are chained, forgotten...," sings Susanna in describing the highest Feeling. But the concept can simply be extended: the words we have chained, out of arrogance, out of ignorance. Words that would like to be freed but cannot because we no longer know them, no longer recognize them.

Each piece embraces a philosophy, if I may. The word that becomes war, the word that reeks of violence, the word that becomes sufficient. A sad portrayal of our sad reality lived through words and realized prominently by a musician of immense talent. Very close to the grace of an inspired Tori Amos, Susanna does not falter in her connections to French music ("The Song of Old Lovers" by J. Brel) nor does her music fear the legacy of Tenco.

One of the most beautiful and touching Italian records of recent years.

Really.