Farewell to Peppino di Capri, from 'Champagne' to 'Roberta': all his greatest hits

From "Champagne" to "Roberta": over sixty years of Italian music history captured in a repertoire that seamlessly blends romanticism, Neapolitan tradition, and international influences. This is the artistic journey of Peppino di Capri, the protagonist of a long career marked by songs that have become a staple of popular music. Songs like "Champagne," "Roberta," and "Un grande amore e niente più" remain some of the most recognizable moments of his career, maintaining a lasting popularity among generations of listeners. 

Among the songs most closely associated with Peppino di Capri's name is undoubtedly "Champagne," released in 1973. The song tells the story of a reunion between two people reunited after the end of a relationship, in a festive atmosphere where the protagonist tries to hide his melancholy. The song's power comes from the contrast between the elegance of the scene it describes and the pain of a lost feeling. The refined melody and Peppino di Capri's intense interpretation have transformed "Champagne" into one of the great classics of Italian music. Even today, the song continues to be performed at concerts, ceremonies, and events, confirming its ability to transcend trends and musical changes. 

Released in 1963, "Roberta" was one of Peppino di Capri's first major hits. The song, dedicated to the artist's first wife, Roberta Stoppa, is one of the best-known examples of his romantic work. The song stands out for its simple and immediate melody, accompanied by a performance that highlights the more sentimental side of the artist's repertoire. Over the years, "Roberta" has become one of the most beloved Italian ballads, a symbol of an elegant and direct way of expressing love. 

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1973 was a pivotal year in Peppino di Capri's career thanks to "Un grande amore e niente più," a song co-written with Franco Califano and winner of the Sanremo Music Festival. The song recounts the end of a significant relationship and the memory of a love that leaves a lasting impression. The artist's interpretive skill and the emotional power of the lyrics brought the song to success, definitively establishing Peppino di Capri as a leading figure in Italian music. His victory at the Festival represented one of the most important moments of his career and helped strengthen his position in the national music scene. 

In the 1960s, Peppino di Capri was among the performers who contributed to the spread of the twist in Italy. Among the most iconic songs of that period was "St. Tropez Twist," released in 1962. The song captured the climate of excitement and cultural change of those years, characterized by the arrival of new rhythms and international influences. With this success, Peppino di Capri demonstrated his ability to renew his style, embracing new trends without abandoning the Italian melodic tradition. 

Neapolitan tradition has been a constant presence throughout Peppino di Capri's career. Among his first major hits was "Malatia," released in 1958, a song that highlights the artist's deep connection to Neapolitan musical culture. Through his interpretation, Peppino di Capri contributed to enhancing a musical heritage of passion, nostalgia, and emotional intensity. "Nun è peccato," another key piece in his repertoire, dates back to the same period. The song combines elements of Neapolitan tradition with a more modern sensibility, anticipating the cross-genre crossover that would characterize the artist's entire career. In 1985, Peppino di Capri returned to the Sanremo Music Festival with "E mo e mo," a song that confirmed his ability to remain at the center of the music scene even after many years of activity. The song maintains a connection to the artist's Neapolitan roots, while also ushering him into a more contemporary phase of his production. Its success demonstrates the continuity of an artistic journey capable of adapting to change without losing its recognizability.  

(Adnkronos)