Citings & Sightings of Dante's Works in Contemporary Culture
“No doubt Symphony X is one of the bands whose songwriting and lyrical capabilities very closely resemble Dante’s style,” writes Loudwire’s Katy Irizary. “They’re known for writing lengthy concept albums that often pay homage to Greek mythology, literature, and poetry. 2015’s ‘Underworld’ is all about ‘Inferno,’ taking the listener on the very same terrifying journey as Dante, only in their own words.” – Katy Irizary, Loudwire, August 15, 2018
Read the full Loudwire article here.
“In Dante’s poem, Charon escorts the author and his guide, Virgil, across the river to the realm of the damned. The Scorpions make reference to a “blind man” in this cut from 1977’s ‘Taken By Force.’ This is in reference to the lost souls who did not have a coin for Charon, so they must blindly wander the banks of Styx for hundreds of years.” – Katy Irizary, Loudwire, August 15, 2018
Read the full Loudwire article here.
The lyrics in Kreator’s song “World Beyond” describe a trip through the gates of Hell similar to Dante and Virgil’s, according to Loudwire’s Katy Irizary.
The song discusses the river Styx and selling souls.
Read the full Loudwire article here.
Katy Irizarry explains that in this song King Diamond sings from the perspective of Charon, while he takes the lost souls across the River Styx.
“Welcome my friend, my name is Charon / Please take my hand, I know the secret land / Don’t be afraid, oh no / I’m faceless, but don’t fear now / I’ll take you safe across the River Styx.”
Read the full Loudwire article here.
“Bad Dante Bad English Bad Opera is a new version of Dante’s classic Purgatory from The Divine Comedy. The strict verse form from the original Italian version has been maintained, but the text has been rewritten into anti-academic “street language” English.
“From a stripped-down stage, four singers/actors and three string players present the first nine cantos of Purgatory: Antepurgatorio. Here, in transit between hell and paradise, Dante meets the souls who are waiting to atone for their sins. Human emotions such as imperfection, justice, confusion, and tolerance are explored in a smart, refreshing, and humorous way.
“The chamber opera Bad Dante Bad English Bad Opera is created by Spreafico Eckly, the Bergen-based production company of writer and theatre director Andrea Spreafico, and composer and artist Matteo Fargion.” [. . .] —Bergen International Festival (retrieved March 26, 2022)
The opera will have its world premiere at the Bergen International Festival on June 7-8, 2022. Learn more about the opera and watch a trailer here.
