Novecento

Musical show – 1930s jazz

A classic of literature and musical theatre comes to Jazz In Fort L’Ecluse Chez Voltaire.

One day in 1900, on an ocean liner travelling between Europe and the United States, after all the passengers have disembarked, the crew discover a cardboard box on the piano in the ballroom. And inside the box, a newborn baby. A baby, born on the ship and abandoned. As it is the end of the year, they name him Novecento. 

Many years later, Novecento, now a pianist, plays several times a day in the first-class lounge. His talent is dazzling and his reputation spans the oceans. There’s no doubt about it: all he would need to do is step off the ship to conquer the world. But Novecento refuses. He’s afraid to set foot on dry land. That other world isn’t for him. Until the day when he suddenly feels the urge to disembark. Why? To see the sea. Strange, isn’t it? Because you’re never too old to dream and listen to beautiful stories, let yourself be swept away by the tale of Novecento, the pianist of the ocean, accompanied by 1930s jazz.

Translation: Françoise Brun
Narration: Jean Chollet
Text: Alessandro Baricco

Music: 
Brenno Boccadoro: piano
Gilbert Gubler: double bass
Beat Clerc: trumpet