Mogol: The Poet-Lyricist Who Defined Italian Pop Music
Giulio Rapetti, better known as Mogol, is regarded as the most prominent lyricist in Italy, having been born in Milan on August 17, 1936. His journey in music commenced with 'Briciole di baci' in 1960 and reached new heights through his collaboration with Lucio Battisti from 1969 to 1980, yielding classics such as 'Un'avventura', 'Emozioni', and 'Il mio canto libero'. Their partnership culminated in notable albums like 'Umanamente uomo: il sogno' and 'Una giornata uggiosa' (1980). Currently, the rights to their songs are managed by Acqua Azzurra srl, which is undergoing liquidation. Mogol has also collaborated with artists like Mina and Adriano Celentano, amassing over 1,500 registered lyrics. In a 2016 interview, he discussed creating the "sentimental lexicon of Italians."
Key facts
- Mogol, born Giulio Rapetti, was born in Milan on August 17, 1936.
- His father, Mariano Rapetti, was a lyricist and executive at Casa Editrice Musicale Ricordi.
- His first official work was 'Briciole di baci' (1960), written with Carlo Donida and performed by Mina.
- Mogol's partnership with Lucio Battisti lasted from 1969 to 1980.
- Hits from the Battisti collaboration include 'Un'avventura', 'Emozioni', 'Il mio canto libero', 'Pensieri e parole', and 'Acqua azzurra acqua chiara'.
- The duo's final album together was 'Una giornata uggiosa' (1980).
- The rights to Mogol and Battisti's songs are held by Acqua Azzurra srl, now in liquidation.
- Mogol has over 1,500 registered lyrics.
- He collaborated with artists such as Mina, Riccardo Cocciante, Gianni Bella, Mango, Adriano Celentano, Bobby Solo, PFM, Caterina Caselli, Patty Pravo, Dik Dik, and Equipe 84.
- In a 2016 interview, Mogol mentioned receiving an honorary degree in Palermo, where he was told he 'built the sentimental lexicon of Italians'.
Entities
Artists
- Giulio Rapetti (Mogol)
- Mariano Rapetti
- Lucio Battisti
- Carlo Donida
- Mina
- Riccardo Cocciante
- Gianni Bella
- Mango
- Adriano Celentano
- Bobby Solo
- PFM
- Caterina Caselli
- Patty Pravo
- Dik Dik
- Equipe 84
- Fausto Leali
- Little Tony
Institutions
- Casa Editrice Musicale Ricordi
- Acqua Azzurra srl
- Artspecialday
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Palermo