On Friday, September 20, Tuscany Language Academy presented internationally renowned flatpicking guitarist Beppe Gambetta, from Genoa, Italy, in a dazzling performance of “Canzoni: Poetry in Italian Songs and Melodies.”  The 90-minute program reflected the many musical traditions Beppe has bridged throughout his decades-long career, and included songs from his newest CD “Short Stories,” that features music of Giuseppe Verdi (La Vergine degli Angeli) and American icon Doc Watson (a bluegrass medley).  Other memorable songs were an original composition by Beppe (Benedicta 1944) about a tragic moment in Italian history, when a group of young partisans were massacred by nazi-fascists while they hid in the Benedicta Monastery near Genoa; and Il Pescatore, from the Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio De Andre’, about a fisherman sharing bread and wine with a man who committed a crime – a song about forgiveness.

Beppe’s phenomenal flatpicking and his introductions of songs, full of warmth and wit, made for a rich and varied program by a master musician.  The audience of around 80 people was enthusiastic and engaged to the end, but the performance was of such high caliber that it merited an audience many times great.  Tuscany Language Academy hopes to bring Beppe back to Madison in the future.

The concert took place at The Brink Lounge in Madison; it was supported by Italian Workmen’s Club, Wisitalia, Cedar Road Meats, Osteria Papavero and community-sponsored radio WORT89.9FM.  Tuscany Language Academy thanks them all.

For more information about Beppe Gambetta, and to listen to audio clips of his music, visit www.beppegambetta.com.