Renat Sette & Gianluca Dessì – La vida fin finala (Felmay Records, 2023)
Renat Sette, one of the most charismatic singers of Provençal music, has been collaborating since 1993 with the poet and historian Jean-Yves Royer. On this occasion, Sette chose to compose and shape these 18 songs extracted from Royer’s collection of poems “Les temps passats”.
To develop the La vida fin finala project, Sette picked as his musical partner his friend, Sardinian guitarist Gianluca Dessì. Vocals and guitar are used as a single, intimate entity at the service of the poetic text, drawing inspiration from various traditional music sources expressed with contemporary eloquence.
The poems eloquently convey the emotions experienced by the poet, delving into themes such as his connection with childhood (“L’Odor de Sampechier,” “Vaqui que Siam en Mai”), romantic entanglements (“La Luna,” “Lo Còp Venent Venguet”), and a notable focus on matters of the heart (“Un Còr Passit,” “T’escoteles”). Additionally, the verses touch upon the poet’s philosophical musings on life (“La Vida Fin Finala”) and the power of words.
Renowned for his warm and resonant voice, coupled with extensive stage expertise and significant contributions to oral transmission, Renat Sette stands out as a prominent figure in Provençal folk song and the broader Occitan tradition.
Born in Nice, Renat’s formative years immersed him in the distinctive culture and language of the inland regions of the Province of Nice. A celebrated singer of Haute-Provence, he ranks among the leading advocates of the Provençal music revival, celebrated for his captivating a cappella performances and collaborations with musical groups from Mediterranean countries. His diverse discography spans traditional, folk revival, world music, and songwriting genres.
Gianluca Dessì, a skilled Italian guitarist and composer from Sardinia, with extensive experience, established the Elva Lutza duo in 2011 alongside trumpeter Nico Casu. Later, the ensemble welcomed the enchanting vocals of Ester Formosa. Since 2015, Dessì has served as the guitarist for the renowned Sardinian band Cordas et Cannas.
Buy La vida fin finala.
Author: Claudia Taylor
