Italian singer-songwriter Niccolò Fabi has unveiled his latest single, “Al cuore gentile,” on April 22, 2025, offering fans a glimpse into the emotional depth of his upcoming album, “Libertà negli occhi,” set to release on May 16, 2025. This new track is a tribute to the 13th-century poet Guido Guinizelli, a key figure in the dolce stil novo literary movement, and is now available on all digital platforms.
“Al cuore gentile” features a hauntingly intimate rendition, lasting 2 minutes and 28 seconds, showcasing only Fabi’s voice accompanied by his guitar. This song follows his earlier release, “Acqua che scorre,” which runs for 5 minutes and 40 seconds and invites listeners to appreciate the beauty of the world. The new single is complemented by a night video session filmed at a cozy cabin overlooking Lago dei Caprioli, where the song was recorded, adding a visual layer to the listening experience.
Fabi reflects on the inspiration behind the song, stating, “In the second half of the 13th century, Guido Guinizelli wrote ‘Al cor gentile rempaira sempre amore,’ a song that is considered the manifesto of that new way of singing love called ‘dolce stil novo.’ I dedicated five years of my life to medieval poetry, and in a way, ‘libertà negli occhi’ is also a dialogue with that season of life that we briefly call youth, where emotional and mental categories are formed that will accompany us forever, for better or worse.”
He continues, “The love during the time of stilnovo is one of those categories, so I felt the need to pay homage to it by composing a free adaptation and paraphrase of his symbolic song. This is a night version in our cabin amid the snow while my friends listened to me sitting on a sofa drinking beer. It was a moment I will never forget.”
“Libertà negli occhi,” Fabi’s tenth album of unreleased songs, comprises nine new tracks and will be released in two exclusive formats: a limited-edition vinyl and a CD+BOOK version, which includes a 56-page booklet with lyrics, an unpublished writing by Fabi, and a series of photographs that encapsulate the intimate atmosphere of the cabin where the album was created. The album is available for pre-order now.
The creative process behind “Libertà negli occhi” is described by Fabi as an artistic residency, a somewhat unconventional approach in today’s fast-paced music industry. He retreated to the scenic Lago dei Caprioli in Fazzon, Val di Sole, to immerse himself in the creation of his new songs, free from distractions and conventions. This environment allowed for genuine experimentation and collaboration with a group of talented musicians, including Roberto Angelini, Alberto Bianco, Filippo Cornaglia, Emma Nolde, Cesare Augusto Giorgini, and Riccardo Parravicini.
Fabi will embark on a theatrical tour, “Libertà negli occhi Tour 2025,” starting in October, where he will perform songs from the new album alongside his classic repertoire. The tour will kick off on October 4 in Isernia and will include stops in cities such as Ravenna, Milan, Bologna, Turin, and Rome, concluding in November.
Fans can expect a deeply emotional and engaging experience as they connect with Fabi’s music in an intimate live setting. The release of “Libertà negli occhi” and the prelude of “Al cuore gentile” mark significant events in the Italian music scene, showcasing Fabi’s continuous artistic evolution and his ability to resonate with listeners through his poetic music.
As anticipation builds for the new album, Fabi emphasizes the importance of the physical experience of music. While the digital version of “Libertà negli occhi” will be available on all platforms starting June 13, 2025, he highlights the value of the physical album as an art piece. The physical copies will include a QR code allowing buyers to download the digital version, merging the tangible and digital experiences of music consumption.
In a world where music is often consumed in a fleeting manner, Fabi's approach serves as a reminder of the beauty and depth that can be found in the creation and experience of music. The complete tracklist for “Libertà negli occhi” includes titles such as “Alba,” “L’amore capita,” “Nessuna battaglia,” and “Custodi del fuoco,” each promising a unique auditory journey tied together by themes of inner freedom and authenticity.
For those eager to dive deeper into Fabi’s artistic vision, the video for “Acqua che scorre” is already available online, filmed once again at Lago dei Caprioli and featuring talented skater Adele Antonelli. This adds another layer of beauty and expressiveness to the song, showcasing Fabi’s multifaceted artistic capabilities.
As the release date approaches, Niccolò Fabi continues to enchant his audience with his thoughtful lyrics and melodies, proving once again why he remains a cherished figure in contemporary Italian music. With “Al cuore gentile” as a poignant prelude to “Libertà negli occhi,” fans are left eagerly anticipating the full album and the chance to experience Fabi’s artistry live during the upcoming tour.
