Milva, the Panther of Goro, has left us. The great artist died in her home in Milan where she lived with her daughter Martina Corgnati, an art critic, who the singer had had from the record producer Maurizio Corgnati. It was her daughter Martina who confirmed the news of her death to Ansa, explaining that her mother had been ill for some time. Ilva Maria Biolcati, aka Milva, was 81 years old. She was born in Goro, in the province of Ferrara, on July 17, 1939. Gifted with an extraordinary voice, she had become very popular, both in Italy and abroad. Particularly in Germany where it has long been the undisputed star of many television shows and events not only musical.
From music to theater, a great performer with a unique talent
A career spanning over fifty years, from the beginnings in the small dance halls of Emilia to popular songs, to the theater that saw her protagonist alongside Giorgio Strelher, the unforgettable interpreter of Bertold Brecht. Milva had dedicated four record projects and many theater recitals to Brecht's songs. But also a lot of music by Franco Battiato, Ennio Morricone and Astor Piazzolla. And of great Greek, French and German composers. Different musical genres that Milva had been able to interpret with a unique talent. An all-round artist, with an international profile that few Italians have been able to boast.
His artistic stature has been officially recognized in the world with prestigious awards. In 1995 he was Officer of the Ordre des arts et des lettres in Paris. In 2006, in Berlin, he received the honor of Officer of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 2007 he became Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. And in 2009 again Paris, where she was awarded the recognition of Knight of the Legion of Honor of the French Republic.
"A great Italian who has trod the international stages bringing up the name of her country", so the minister Franceschini
In Italy Milva was the singer with a record attendance at Festival of Sanremo, as many as 15. Eighty million records sold all over the world. Over seventy albums made. "Milva was one of the most intense interpreters of the Italian song". Thus the Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini at the news of the disappearance of the great artist. “His voice has aroused deep emotions over entire generations. A great Italian, an artist who, starting from her beloved land, has trod the international stages, making her success global and raising the name of her country. Farewell to the panther of Goro ". Condolence was also expressed by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.
Milva, "La Rossa" as she was also called for the tawny color of her hair (Enzo Jannacci also wrote her a song with this title), had announced her farewell to the scene in 2010 after releasing the third album "I don't know any Patrizio ”Written and produced for her by Franco Battiato. Album that in a short time had jumped into the Top ten of the best-selling records in Italy. Last March Milva had been vaccinated against Covid and wanted to make it known publicly with a post on Facebook. “I get vaccinated because I care about my life and the life of others. Do it too. We need to get back to life as before, and to hug our loved ones. Together we can all manage to defeat this virus ". Farewell to this great and refined Italian artist.
(Ph credit: Fb Fan Club Milva page)
