This is Domenico Modugno, the musical genius who wrote Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu) and who made this song one of the most famous and sung in the world. But I will write another post on Volare. In this video he is singing another of his most beautiful songs "Vecchio Frack" (Old frack). Modugno wrote lyrics and music for it. It is the story (also told through metaphors) of an elegant man in a tailcoat who strolls through the deserted streets of a city at midnight and evidently commits suicide at dawn, and whoever sings the song does not know who this man is and since where does it come from. Inspired by a true story. As you can see Mimmo Modugno (as he was called) ONLY uses his voice and a guitar. He's not JUST singing a song, he's reciting it, interpreting it, he's BECOME the character of the song. Like Sinatra, Modugno too "becomes" the song he is singing. Without any other pitfalls or other winks. JUST having a beautiful voice is not enough to reach the heart of the listener. Modugno didn't have a beautiful voice like Sinatra but he put passion into it… just like Jerry, they used pathos when they sang. Even if you don't understand the words, look at him, listen to how he uses his voice, chords, guitar.. at one point he makes a cat noise. As if he is experiencing what the character in the song is doing. This is being an artist. Not just singer.
Two comments to the video.
It's not just a beautiful song, a masterful execution, solo plays for four, an impeccable caress on the guitar, a metronome percussion, the wonderful whistle and a vocal interpretation with its advances and the right emphasis in every executive moment. Simply impressive.
*****
An acoustic guitar and a stool. Mimmo Modugno didn't need anything else. A unique stage presence, an innate magnetism of a seasoned actor and the ability to pierce the screen giving the feeling that he is singing in front of you, just for you. It is the gift of adults. Domenico Modugno wonderful and unforgettable heritage of Italian music.
