Director: Yvonne Russo
Writers: Christine La Monte, Yvonne Russo
Stars: Claudio Giombi, Chitose Matsumoto, Tina Aliprandi
Synopsis: At Milan’s Casa Verdi retirement home, elderly opera stars and musicians mentor young students while sharing their remarkable lives. Built by Verdi in 1896, this unique residence unites generations through music and passion.
Every once in a while, there is proof that awards actually do matter. Not so much in the winning, but in the awareness. Recently, Viva Verdi! received a nomination for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. This, I am sure, has led many to seek out this film, yours truly absolutely included. This is not as important for major awards players that made a large impression at big film festivals. But for a small documentary to get this kind of recognition outside of awards for that type of film, the difference is immense. And it is appropriate that this film was noticed for its music, and this becomes apparent from the opening frames (or notes).
This film tells the story of Casa Verdi, a retirement home built by Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, Italy. Verdi was, of course, one of the most influential composers of his time (the 19th century) or any other time. The twist here is that it is not just any retirement home, in fact it was built specifically for aging musicians, as many of them had no retirement or back up plan options to support them in their old age. Thankfully, it is still not only operational, but thriving today. Viva Verdi! takes us inside the building and more importantly, into the lives of its guests. All of them are, as noted, operatic musicians. Director Yvonne Rossi does a lovely job of giving just enough historical context along with telling the important stories of the residents of Casa Verdi.
Very often, when we think of retirement homes, our minds drift to terrible conditions and loss of memory. There are countless studies showing how music can boost memory and mood, and this becomes abundantly clear as we travel these halls. As it must, the movie focuses on a few independent stories more than others. Claudio Giombi is a main focus and for those unaware, like this writer, we find just how accomplished he has been in his opera career. Watching him wax poetic about music, life, and teaching, we cannot help but be lifted up and brought along with his lust for life. He and the other residents there also teach and mentor young music students on site. Being present for the gift of this knowledge passed to the next generation is another sight to behold. Although this story may be very niche in nature, it is easily applicable to all of us. Anyone who has a passion can imagine what an opportunity it would be like to pick the brains of the masters of that craft.
The film also details some painful upbringing and racial strife in Italy during different times in history. Chitose Matsumoto is a singer of Japanese descent who traveled to Italy because, frankly, that is where you go for opera performance. Despite being immediately recognized as a talent as a young woman, she also endured poor treatment by those saying that all performers should be Italian. Watching her relive this is quite painful, but there is a clear healing that comes with her age, and with being surrounded by care and love. She also tells the story of being recommended to Casa Verdi and being shocked that they would take her, given her limited career in the opera.
Importantly, the film does not merely lean in to the greatest performers and purely moments of bliss. One of the more moving moments of the film follows an instructor and caretaker who teaches a class built to improve the memory of those who struggle a bit more. Watching their hands slightly shake and eyes fill with tears as they recall songs from their youth is enough to make the most hardened viewer open their heart to the connection of music and emotion. We all deserve a place to create, connect, and continue living our lives to the fullest.
Yes, “Sweet Dreams of Joy” is a stunningly beautiful song, but it pales in comparison to the songs in the hearts and on the lips of the wonderful people that live at Casa Verdi. Watching them sing their hearts out, either by themselves or in passing their gift to others, makes us all just a little bit lighter and filled with just a bit more joy. Viva Verdi!, indeed!
