Prospettiva Nevski

Battiato Franco's 'Prospettiva Nevski' is a rich tapestry of historical and cultural references, woven together to create a vivid picture of a bygone era. The song opens with a stark image of a freezing wind sweeping through empty squares and against church steeples, evoking the harsh Russian winters. This setting is further emphasized by the presence of the Red Guards' fires, a nod to the Russian Revolution and the tumultuous times that followed. The imagery of old women with rosaries adds a layer of religious and cultural depth, highlighting the contrast between the old and the new, the sacred and the secular.

The song then shifts to a more personal and introspective tone, as the narrator recalls waiting outside a church for the end of mass, observing the women and the 'unnatural grace' of Nijinsky, a famous ballet dancer. This reference to Nijinsky and the Russian Ballets underscores the cultural richness of the period, as well as the personal connections and emotions tied to these memories. The mention of Nijinsky's impresario falling in love with him adds a layer of human drama and complexity to the narrative.

As the song progresses, it delves into the intellectual and artistic pursuits of the narrator's generation. The chance encounter with Igor Stravinsky on Nevski Prospekt, the mention of Eisenstein's films on the revolution, and the dimly lit rooms where they studied and discussed ideas all paint a picture of a vibrant, if challenging, intellectual life. The closing lines, where the narrator's teacher imparts the wisdom that 'it's difficult to find the dawn within the dusk,' encapsulate the song's overarching theme of seeking light and understanding in dark and uncertain times. This poignant reflection ties together the historical, cultural, and personal threads of the song, making 'Prospettiva Nevski' a deeply evocative and thought-provoking piece.