Diabolic Artists

Since 1840, a single interpreter exhibition, occasionally accompanied by other instrumentalists, was named recital.
Although people seemed to preferred the Academies (musical evenings with a large number of performers), the exceptional virtuosity of musicians such as Paganini at the violin and Liszt on the piano gradually changed the audience’s preferences.
Virtuosity was not only the exhibition of exceptional technical skills, rather a way of performing influenced by the Romantic ideas.
The performer’s desire was to achieve the greatest knowledge of its instrument; the execution was seen as a challenge of one’s limits to let the instrument express its potentiality, to reach the core of the music.
Quite frequently, the audience indeed believed the best virtuosos to have also demonic powers, and many were the legends and bizarre anecdotes.
Before Paganini, a famous Italian violinist from the 18th century, Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770), wrote a sonata titled "The Devil’s Trill”, which was said to be inspired by the devil appeared in person to the composer.

Radio 2 and the mystery story writer Luca Crovi

On Saturdays and Sundays, from 1 pm to 1.30 pm, the second channel of Radio RAI speaks mystery. Luca Crovi presents mystery story authors and books, with its passion and expertise.

Among the many authors already interviewed are: Ben Pastor, Andrea Camilleri, Richard Mateson, Veit Heinichen, Eraldo Baldini, Bianca Pitzorno and Valerio Varesi.

If you would like to listen to some episodes in streaming or podcast, just click here.

Pizza...untouchable!

There are things one can not give up, even in economically tough times! For Italians, one of these untouchable pleasures is dining out with friends. According to recent statistical information about Italians’ eating habits, the numbers of people eating out have decreased but not as drastically as expected.
Dining at a restaurant is still a common practice for Italians, who perceive it as something more than just eating: it means spending time with friends, it means celebrations and sharing a relaxing time...The preference goes the more economical pizzas rather than the more expensive seafood dinners; yet, the habit of enjoying a good dinner with friends is still in vogue!