As I delve into the captivating world of Mina, an Italian icon whose voice spans four octaves and defies time, I am struck by her enigmatic allure that transcends generations. Her story is not just about music, but a testament to the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring appeal of authenticity.
Known as the queen of Italian pop, Mina has sold over 150 million records worldwide and remains a music legend who’s been captivating fans since the ’60s. Her new album, Gassa d’Amante, drops on November 22, and its title — named after an essential sailing knot — represents the solid and yet easily untangled nature of love. Just like the knot, the album explores the twists and turns of love in all of its beauty and complexity. At 84, Mina is still going strong, and she’s as iconic as ever.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the enigmatic figure that is Mina, formerly known as Mina Anna Mazzini. Hailing from Italy, she stands among the most cherished pop icons in her homeland, echoing the legendary status of Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler. She is a musical powerhouse, revered by Italians with the same fervor that Americans reserve for modern-day superstars like Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift.
Luca Josi, who transitioned from journalism to entrepreneurship and held the position of director of brand strategy and multimedia entertainment at Telecom Italia, collaborated with the singer on a groundbreaking communication project for a span of five years. As he puts it, “Mina was like a guiding star in the dark that every brand longs to be illuminated by. I feel fortunate to have worked on her music for five years; those years seemed to pass quickly, and they’ll forever remain priceless and timeless.
According to Gino Castaldo, a music critic from La Repubblica, she sings in a very singable manner, as mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter Roma.
From 1959 to 1969, Mina graced the screen in thirteen “musicarelli” films – these were popular Italian musicals where well-known pop singers would suddenly burst into song during the movie. She shared the screen with the renowned jazz artist Chet Baker in the film “Urlatori alla sbarra“.
Giuseppe Tornatore, the man behind “Cinema Paradiso,” fondly recalled Mina’s musicarelli movies with genuine enthusiasm when speaking to The Hollywood Reporter Roma. He shared, “The viewers would join in singing with the on-screen characters, creating moments I will never forget, as the crowd harmonized with the singers.” However, Mina herself wasn’t fond of those lighthearted films. She once stated, “If I had to discard any of them, I’d toss the entire lot away.
Despite not revisiting her days in cinema, Mina’s voice still resonates powerfully across some of the most iconic films ever made. Her songs have adorned the soundtracks of 109 movies globally, ranging from popular Italian comedies like “Madness of Love” (La voglia matta) and “Taste of the Sea” (Sapore di mare), to works by esteemed directors such as Michelangelo Antonioni (“The Eclipse”), Bernardo Bertolucci (“The Spider’s Stratagem”), and Gabriele Salvatores (“I Am Not Afraid”). Mina’s voice isn’t limited to Italian cinema; it has even been featured in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” with the track “Heaven in a Room” from her 1960 album bearing the same name.
Renowned Turkish-Italian film director Ferzan Ozpetek, who is highly respected in Italy’s film industry, has frequently incorporated the music of Mina into his films (“The Window Facing the Sea”, “The Goddess Fortuna”). Ozpetek values their creative connection deeply: “Mina is indispensable to my work,” Ozpetek shares with THR Roma. “Whenever I’m working on a script or novel, she is the first person I consult. She consistently provides a fresh angle and perceives things that others might overlook. For me, Mina embodies a revolution in emotions, art, and so much more. I have admired her since my youth – her distinctive style, her rebellious spirit, and of course, her one-of-a-kind voice. I owe a great deal to her and will always be thankful.
The renowned filmmaker Lina Wertmüller, who penned the lyrics for Mina’s 1966 chart-topper “Mi sei scoppiato dentro al cuore,” and many other songs, is said to have held a profound respect for Mina. In her own words as a director, she frequently found herself contemplating Mina, acknowledging that she was truly unique.
As a devoted admirer, I can wholeheartedly affirm that Federico Fellini was utterly captivated by Mina’s extraordinary talent. In his own words, he described her as, “Mina has the countenance of the moon. Her eyes are sugary yet stern. Her mouth summons comets from the heavens with a solitary whistle.” He even envisioned her as Gradisca, the personification of female desire in ‘Amarcord’, yearning to work alongside her on his set.
1958 saw Mina stepping onto the stage at Bussola club in Forte dei Marmi, casually holding a microphone. In no time, she was snapped up by a manager, marking the beginning of her meteoric rise. Just under three years later, Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci penned: “Who is this girl who, in merely two years, has transformed into a sort of myth for Italians young and old, wealthy and poor, ignorant and intellectual, communist and Catholic? In the span of a week, she graces the cover of six prominent magazines. If you claim to have never heard her sing, they regard you as an uninformed, disloyal, or foolish individual!
At approximately the same period, Paul McCartney penned a letter praising her rendition of “Michelle” as the finest non-English cover he had ever encountered. Meanwhile, Alfred Hitchcock expressed his desire to have Mina lend her voice in one of his movies, as reported by journalists.
Mina’s achievement isn’t solely attributed to her exceptional voice; it’s also due to her captivating persona. With her athletic build from being a competitive swimmer in her youth, her radiant face, eyes accentuated by sharp lines, rebellious spirit, and distinctive laugh, she became an icon of pop music long before the term was coined. Andy Warhol described her aptly in the ’70s: “She was a natural actress, a symbol of technological advancement, a lunar specter, aggressive and somewhat pop.
For many years, Mina has frequently changed her identity: a bodybuilder, an alien without hair, a bearded diva, a Madonna from the Renaissance era, and an 18th-century noblewoman. Drawing inspiration from artists like Botero, Picasso, Walt Disney, or Mapplethorpe, Mina was consistently ahead of trends, constantly evolving herself.
As a gamer of the airwaves, there was something uniquely captivating about radio that stood out among all the media I traversed. From the swinging ’60s right up to the groovy ’90s, I held court on my own shows, guiding Italians through an eclectic musical journey. I spun everything from sultry Brazilian rhythms to cool jazz beats and even introduced them to the soothing tunes of artists like James Taylor and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
It was her unmatched television presence that truly catapulted her into a multi-media sensation. From 1959 to 1974, Mina significantly transformed Italian variety shows, adopting American trends by designing minimalist, open studio sets that emphasized the performers’ physicality. Moreover, she excelled as a gracious host, seamlessly engaging with an array of guests ranging from cinematic greats like Vittorio De Sica and Marcello Mastroianni to ordinary stars. Beyond being a performer, she was an iconic figure on television.
Mina’s private life significantly impacted Italian society. Her high-profile romance with the married actor Corrado Pani and the birth of their son Massimiliano, who was born before divorce was legal in Italy, caused a significant shift in how Italians perceived love and unions. Now, Massimiliano, who is collaborating with his mother on her new album “Gassa d’Amante” in Lugano, continues to be part of Mina’s creative team.
At 84 years old, Mina’s voice continues to be nothing less than extraordinary. Her vocal range extends over four octaves, which is twice the average for most singers, and covers an impressive 40 semitones. This incredible versatility enables her to move seamlessly from the deep richness of bass tones to pristine high notes with effortless ease. Jazz icon Sarah Vaughan famously remarked, “If I didn’t already have my voice, I’d want Mina’s.
Among all artists, none has managed to encapsulate the intense, passionate highs and lows of love quite like Mina. With more than 70 albums under her belt, her voice continues to deliver that raw, heartfelt emotion. In the opening track of Gassa d’Amante, she makes a powerful, vulnerable declaration: “If I can’t love this much and be loved in return, what purpose would I serve?” (As a fan, I can attest to this.)
Mina continues to captivate as an intriguing puzzle for music enthusiasts. Despite never granting an interview since 1978, shunning live concerts for years, and leading a life away from the spotlight, each new album she releases climbs high on Spotify charts, rivaling today’s most popular Italian musicians.
Gassa d’Amante is an everlasting masterpiece. Unlike many artists who try to keep up with the times or emulate the fast-paced digital world, Mina delves into her inner creativity. Her son Massimiliano, responsible for producing and arranging the album, makes sure that the music stays authentic and doesn’t succumb to transient market trends or mimic past grandeur.
The music of “Gassa d’Amante” varies from soft-rock to traditional tones, occasionally incorporating contemporary beats. However, its overall trajectory is distinct: each arrangement serves as a nurturing environment for Mina’s voice, ensuring that her exceptional vocal character remains the focus, rather than the instrumentation or electronics.
The outstanding song on the album is titled “Real Love” (L’amore vero), which features the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra skillfully orchestrated by Gabriele Comeglio. This arrangement beautifully showcases Mina’s romantic voice, striking a delicate balance between intensity and subtlety. As a result, it evokes a profound sense of authenticity without slipping into melodrama.
The catchy tune “Buttalo via,” penned by Francesco Gabbani, is a modern-day hit that propels Mina into the 21st century. The heartfelt lyrics seem to tap into something profound within her, culminating in a breathtaking guitar solo from Luca Meneghello, which adds an exquisite finish to the song.
Amante’s Gassa is an abundant source of melodious masterpieces. Each song unveils fresh dimensions, demonstrating not only a singer but a genuine artist and diligent scholar, consistently expanding horizons and unearthing innovative methods to portray the enduring tale of love. At 84 years old, that’s quite an impressive accomplishment.
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2024-11-19 04:25