An Ancient Language for a Modern Soul: Poemi Conviviali by Giovanni Pascoli

Greek mythology permeates our world to this day, with countless retellings of stories that never cease to capture our imagination. What happens to Helen of Troy when the city falls? What does Achilles do after returning Hector’s body to Priam? How did Homer become blind? These and other questions are addressed in Giovanni Pascoli’s splendid poetic collection Poemi Conviviali, first published in Italy in 1904. Poemi Conviviali is not only a superb retelling of timeless stories, but also a true masterpiece of European modernism and an example of world literature.

In 2022 British poet James Ackhurst and Italian/British scholar Elena Borelli published a complete translation of Poemi Conviviali into English entitled Convivial Poems. Other renowned translators, such as Robert Nugent, Egidio Lunardi, Geoffrey Brock, Taije Silverman, Marina Della Putta Johnston, Deborah Brown, Richard Jackson, and Sarah Thomas have also translated some of these magnificent poems into English.

After its publication, Convivial Poems became a performance, in which the reading of the poems was accompanied by the magic sound of the Celtic harp, an instrument dating back to ancient Egypt.

Now, in 2024, commemorating 120 years since the book's first edition, Poemi Conviviali/ Convivial Poems embarks on a new journey as a podcast. Our ambition is to dedicate an episode to each poem, delving into the enthralling tales that inspired Giovanni Pascoli. Esteemed scholars and translators will join our discussions, providing invaluable insights. Listeners will have the opportunity to experience the poems in English, recited by talented actors and actresses and accompanied by evocative music.

Visit the podcast’s website for more information and bonus material

www.poemiconviviali.com