In the chaos of the days, between glances that pass through us and internal storms, it would be useful to never lose that free and authentic spirit of the "scugnizzo". It is precisely from this perspective that L'Arte della Felicità takes shape, an artistic project that unfolds between music, words and emotions.
The title is already known thanks to the RAI docuseries (available on RaiPlay), the animated film by Alessandro Rak and now also the new concert book by the Neapolitan musician Antonio Fresa, published in May by ChiPiùNeArt Edizioni (78 pages, €14).
After the first stops in Rome and Milan, The Art of Happiness arrives in Naples: Monday 9 June, at 18pm and 19pm, double presentation at the emotional bookshop “Luce” (piazzetta Durante 1, Vomero) in dialogue with the writer Lorenzo Marone.
An intimate stage between emotions and reflection
Antonio Fresa, pianist, composer and teacher at the Conservatory of Vibo Valentia, comes on stage with a few essential objects: a piano, a desk, some books, a small lamp, a keyboard and a statuette of San Gennaro in plexiglass. In the background, images of six universal emotions flow: anger, love, happiness, pride, fear and sadness.
The heart of the project is music as a tool to read – and sometimes overturn – feelings. A sonic and visual exploration of how emotions pass through us and shape us, regardless of who we are or where we come from.
The journey from music to words
“I've always thought of music as a bridge between emotions and the stories that contain them ,” says Fresa, “ but with this book I took the reverse journey: from music to words, from score to page.” The result is a story in six movements, to be experienced through listening, reading, and a pinch of courage.
On stage, the musician dialogues and plays with the audience, allowing emotions to resonate among those who listen. It is a sincere exchange, which unites the artist and spectators in a shared emotional circle.
A multimedia book to explore yourself
The Art of Happiness is not just a book to read, but a true emotional atlas. Each chapter contains QR codes that link to extra content - video clips, audio tracks, digital links - designed to make the experience even more immersive and personal. An invitation to explore yourself through a hybrid and accessible language.
Philosophy and quotes for a new emotional education
Between the pages, Fresa intertwines literary and philosophical suggestions: Haruki Murakami, Saint Augustine, Homer, Zygmunt Bauman, Robert Thurman. A mosaic of references that accompanies young people and adults on a journey of awareness and rediscovery, where private feelings are confronted with the pressures of everyday life.
A concert-talk between music, cinema and reflection
“My show combines music, philosophy and cinema – explains Fresa – an emotional immersion that reconnects us to others and to ourselves.” The narrative flow of the book follows a sonic trajectory that passes through original and famous pieces, from La serenata degli artisti to the waltz Naranjas, from Felicità by Al Bano and Romina Power to 'O Rre scugnizzo, passing through experiments with the legendary Casio-Tone MT40 keyboard.
