“Canto Napoli”: Emilio Isgrò at Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte

The solo show “Canto Napoli” by Emilio Isgrò examines the heritage of Neapolitan song by reworking texts and melodies with his signature erasure technique. The exhibition fills rooms 81-83-84 on the second floor of the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples and is on view until 29 September 2026.

Isgrò applies erasure directly to musical scores and paper-musical sheets, leaving textual traces and melodic fragments that interact with painted signs and symbolic motifs such as insects. In addition to the works on paper, the display includes real instruments — two mandolins and a classical guitar — which echo the visual elements found in the two-dimensional pieces.

What to see

• Technique: erasure on music-paper mounted on wooden supports; a dialogue between popular memory and poetic sign.
• Musical selection: 25 scores, including classics like "'O sole mio", "Voce 'e notte", "Reginella", "Maruzzella", "Napul'è", "Funiculì funiculà" and "Malafemmena".
• Exhibition spaces: rooms 81-83-84, second floor of the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte.
• Three-dimensional elements: two mandolins and a guitar integrated into the exhibition route.
• Curatorship and catalogue: curated by Eike Schmidt; catalogue published by Treccani with scholarly essays.

Why visit

The show blends conceptual research with popular roots: erasures do not fully remove meaning but leave cues that invite visitors to actively decipher the pieces. It’s an opportunity to experience Neapolitan musical tradition from a contemporary, conceptual perspective.

Practical information

• Dates: on view until 29/09/2026.
• Venue: Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Via Lucio Amelio 2, 80131 Naples, Italy.
• Catalogue: available for purchase, published by Treccani with critical contributions.

For opening hours and tickets, check the museum’s official website or contact the museum box office.