The Glasses of the Quartetto
The article discusses Anton Virgilio Savona, a member of the famed Quartetto Cetra, and his contributions to music criticism and his evolution as a musician.
Anton Virgilio Savona, recognized for his role in the renowned Quartetto Cetra, began his career by providing music critique for the Giornale dello Spettacolo before rising to fame as a singer. In his writings, compiled in the book "Oltre il Quartetto Cetra," edited by Paolo Somigli, Savona shares vibrant memories from the golden era of the Quartetto Cetra, including anecdotes like the parodic adaptation of "Promessi Sposi" which was halted to avoid overshadowing Sandro Bolchi's dramatization. His reflections showcase his admiration for figures like Stravinsky and highlight a trust in the future of jazz music within a rapidly evolving musical landscape.
Towards the end of the 1960s, Savona founded the Dischi dello Zodiaco label, which aimed to preserve popular songs and those influenced by emigration, signifying his pivot from the glamorous music scene of Sanremo to exploring deeper musical roots. He ventured into the psychedelic music genre, combining it with narrations from Corrado Pani, notably in pieces addressing contemporary issues, such as "Pianeta Pericoloso," which reflects on the shadow of nuclear threat. This evolution in Savona's work illustrates not only a personal transformation but also a broader critique and exploration of the cultural and musical shifts occurring in Italy during that era.