We’re excited to share a thrilling moment from our concert at the LAC in Lugano: “Sana Follia”, an electrifying composition by Marco Santilli.
Inspired by the legend of La strega della Biaschina, this piece paints the tale of the Corvaccia, a feared yet tragic figure whose reputation as a witch spread fear across the region of Giornico. Her crooked frame, wild black hair, and piercing gaze fueled superstitions, and the villagers whispered tales of her malevolent powers: cows that stopped giving milk, hunts that ended empty-handed, and sudden storms that ruined the harvest.
The name Corvaccia, meaning “hooded crow” in Italian, was a fitting nickname for the witch due to the bird’s symbolic and physical characteristics. Often associated with mystery, bad omens, and misfortune, the hooded crow evoked the same unease the villagers felt toward her wild hair, sharp face, and ominous gaze.
But the Corvaccia’s story took an even darker turn when she set her sights on marriage. After her husband’s mysterious death, suspicion thickened like the mist around the Biaschina Gorge. Despite the lack of proof, the townspeople grew increasingly restless and wary of her presence—until one man, Bastiano, came up with an unorthodox plan to render the Corvaccia harmless once and for all. But was his solution madness, courage, or a touch of both?
The performance captured every twist of this tale—the creeping tension, the mischief, and the unexpected humor—all wrapped in a musical journey that kept the audience spellbound.
🎧 Watch the full performance on [YouTube].
We’d love to know your impressions! What emotions did the music stir in you? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more stories and legends transformed into music!
