Girotondo
Romano,
Songs and Music by Nino Rota:
Girotondo Ensemble and Corps de Ballet of Rome Opera Theater,Teatro
Nazionale, Rome 23.01.2007 (BM)
The Girotondo Romano Cast
To quote a pet phrase of a Roman ex-pat
acquaintance of mine: “In Italy, everything always has
to be good-looking”. Well, thank heavens for that, is
all I can say, as it makes going to the theater all the
more attractive in what is already my favorite Mediterranean
country. Besides, when in Rome, why not go see a show
that appeals to the denizens of the eternal city, such
as this “Divertimento” by Beppe Menegatti called Girotondo
Romano (literally a Roman Ring-Around the Rosies).
An alternative title for the show such as “Hommage à Nino
Rota” would have been equally fitting, were the performance
not based on ten love songs, inspired by Arthur Schnitzler’s
“(Liebes-) Reigen”, verses which met with disapproval
(many readers felt they were “obscene”!) when first published
in 1900. If anything, the lyrics of these songs now come
across as quaint, evoking nostalgia for old-fashioned
romance. Rota himself is a composer dear to the hearts
of most Italians, best known for having penned the music
for a grand total of 158 films – including La Dolce
Vita and The Godfather III – but whose works
also include opera, ballet, symphonies, concertos, and
chamber music.
Carla Fracci
Besides the songs, the score of this show includes some
of Rota’s most popular soundtrack melodies, thus inducing
light-hearted memories of the “carefree” world of the
50’s and 60’s, arranged by Tonino Esposito and played
by the swinging “Girotondo Ensemble” band, while the texts
are sung by engaging crooner Mauro Gioia (unfortunately
he is at times just barely audible despite his microphone,
but he looks good!) in the role of the singing waiter,
while the feeling of the good old days is similarly well
conveyed by top-notch members of Rome Opera Theater’s
Corps de Ballet, led by Carla Fracci (who, in 1966, danced
the lead role at the premiere of Rota’s ballet La Strada
at La Scala) thanks to the appealing choreography of Luciano
Cannito and in gorgeous costumes designed by Maria Filippi.
All in all, this is light fare, ingeniously prepared,
irresistibly stylish and in the best of taste, the kind
of thing to be found only in Italy.
Bettina Mara
Pictures © Corrado Maria Falsini
