Mazurka Apasionata
The ‘Mazurka Apasionata’ is one of the most famous pieces by the guitarist-composer Agustin Barrios Mangoré. Born in 1885 in Paraguay, he was an acclaimed virtuoso recognised all over the world. His music can generally be ascribed to two main types: on the one hand, to late-romanticism and, on the other, to the folklore of his homeland.
This piece belongs to the first of these two groups. It demonstrates Barrios’ infatuation with the music of Chopin, a famous composer of mazurkas, and represents a beautiful tribute to the Polish master. Barrios uses the rhythm of the mazurka, a dance originating in Poland, on which he grafts his ingenious instrumental devices, his splendid melodies and his unmistakable virtuoso touches.
The form consists of two contrasting sections following each other, each one repeated, followed by a short but virtuosic modulating bridge, which then leads back to the opening section and from there to the finale. Because of these characteristics – a dramatic beginning, a sunny opening in the middle with a return to the melancholic atmosphere of the incipit – we thought that this piece could be the ideal soundtrack for a day-long journey to discover the beauty of my city, Rome.
Terrazza del Pincio
One of the city’s most famous overlooks, located on the edge of Villa Borghese, just above Piazza del Popolo. It is a borderline place, where the vegetation, although very tame, falls into the ranks of the city: it has always given me the feeling of being a sort of non-place, suspended so mid-air over the buildings, halfway between nature and the city… Being there early in the morning, when the Terrazza – usually full of people – was only populated by a few solitary runners trying to escape the concrete below, was fascinating: the exhilaration of the fresh morning air gave me an unexpected energy. After filming, we walked down the avenue that took us, leaving the splendid buildings of the Galleria Borghese and Villa Medici on our left, to the steps of Trinità dei Monti and from there down to Piazza di Spagna.
Piazza Navona
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic squares in the city, second – perhaps – only to St. Peter’s Square. Famous for its fountains, especially Bernini’s, known as ‘dei quattro fiumi’ (of the four rivers) – a masterpiece placed in the centre of this architectural space, right in front of the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, is one of the many places in Rome designed in a scenic sense. The square is one of the most loved places by Romans and tourists alike. During Christmas time, it hosts a typical market, where lots of sweets are sold all over the place. Personally, I love to walk through the streets that surround it, so rich in history and charm, and stop in one of the many small bars around… However, I have another memory that binds me to this square: it was the scene of many demonstrations in which I participated – while attending high school – against the cuts that the then Minister of Education was applying to the school system, and since Palazzo Madama (where the Senate is located) overlooks an adjacent street, Piazza Navona had become the focal point where all the Roman students would meet to protest…
Campidoglio
One of the oldest places in Rome, this is the hill where the Rome City Council is now based. The splendid paving, designed by Michelangelo to harmonise the various buildings, was only completed in 1940. At the centre of the square stands the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (a copy, the original is kept in the Palazzo dei Conservatori opposite), while at the back of the square, on the side opposite the magnificent access staircase (also designed by Michelangelo), one can find a magnificent view of the Forum and the Colosseum and – on the right – the Rupe Tarpea, from which traitors condemned to death in ancient Rome were thrown.
Isola Tiberina
One of the oldest places in Rome, this is the hill where the Rome City Council is now based. The splendid paving, designed by Michelangelo to harmonise the various buildings, was only completed in 1940. At the centre of the square stands the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (a copy, the original is kept in the Palazzo dei Conservatori opposite), while at the back of the square, on the side opposite the magnificent access staircase (also designed by Michelangelo), one can find a magnificent view of the Forum and the Colosseum and – on the right – the Rupe Tarpea, from which traitors condemned to death in ancient Rome were thrown.
Giardino degli Aranci
A small park on the Aventine Hill, with a beautiful view of the city and the majestic dome of St Peter’s in the centre. It is an intimate place and undoubtedly full of charm, especially around sunset. It is best visited in spring and early summer, when the orange trees are in bloom, giving an unmistakable colour (and smell too!). To record the video, we had to make our way through the crowds that – despite the covid restrictions – had built up at dusk, just before closing time. It was a beautiful yet strange sensation to be able to play in front of a real audience, after so many months…
