Favola Breve

Emma Shapplin's 'Favola Breve' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into the depths of love, longing, and existential despair. The song's title, which translates to 'Short Fable,' suggests a narrative that is both brief and poignant, encapsulating a powerful emotional journey within its verses. Shapplin, known for her unique blend of classical and modern musical styles, uses her ethereal voice to convey a sense of timelessness and otherworldly beauty, enhancing the lyrical content's emotional weight.

The lyrics of 'Favola Breve' are steeped in a sense of belonging and loss. The repeated phrase 'Son io di llui' ('I am of him') underscores a profound connection to another, suggesting a love that defines the speaker's very existence. This connection, however, is fraught with pain and instability, as indicated by the plea to the 'spirto van' ('vain spirit') to dispel the unstable thoughts. The speaker's identity and life are inextricably linked to this other person, creating a sense of dependency that brings both solace and suffering.

The song also explores themes of existential angst and the search for peace. The speaker questions where their sighs and longings reside in the heavens, expressing a desire to escape ('Fuggir, vorrei!'). This longing for escape is juxtaposed with the inescapable reality of their bond, as they find no peace, not even in sleep. The repetition of 'Fiacco' ('weak') emphasizes the speaker's exhaustion and the toll this emotional turmoil has taken on them. Through its poetic and evocative lyrics, 'Favola Breve' captures the essence of a love that is both a source of life and a harbinger of despair, painting a vivid picture of the human condition in its most vulnerable state.