D’Estate fra Torri e Bastioni (Summer in Towers and Bastions)
Napoli nel Cuore (Naples in the Heart)
2nd August 2019
D’Estate fra Torri e Bastioni was a series of musical events promoted by several music organisers, including Animando and Circolo Lucca Jazz, during the warm summer months of August and September and sponsored free to the public by the Commune and Real Collegio.
LEFT: Napoli nel Cuore RIGHT: Chiostro di Santa Caterina
The first event on 2nd August was entitled Napoli nel Cuore that introduced many famous Neapolitan songs of the past and some more recent. Perhaps most famous is O Sole Mio, a tune composed by Eduardo Di Capua (1865-1917) in 1898 with the lyrics written by the poet and playwright Giovanni Capurro (1859-1920). Both men were born in Naples and are of the same era, contemporary with Lucca’s Giacomo Puccini. Another famous song Torna a Sorriento was written in 1902 by Ernesto de Curtis (1875-1937) from an artistic family of Naples and whose great grandfather was the opera composer Saverio Mercadante (1795-1870). Both these songs have become popular during the 20th century, having been sung by such diverse artists as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, opera singers Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, to more modern artists such as Meatloaf, Alfie Boe and mezzosoprano Katherine Jenkins.
Performers in Napoli nel Cuore were good friends soprano Michelle Buscemi, baritone Giovanni Mazzei, Lucchese-born pianist and composer Stefano Teani and Mattia Campetti who gave introductions and commentary throughout the evening.
LEFT: Atmospheric setting RIGHT: Ancient frescoes
The unusual outdoor setting of the event was in the rarely seen cloister of the ancient monastery which gave a special and unique atmosphere. Sited adjoining the magnificent basilica of San Frediano, whose origins date back to the 6th century, whilst the cloisters in Gothic style are 13th century and display wonderful frescoes in niches and on several walls.
The event was well attended, and many were happy to sit on the grass and listen to the delightful singing. The evening was yet another free musical event in Lucca that continually displays the city’s great musical heritage.