Riccardo Cocciante Returns with New Album and Reflects on a 25-Year Legacy

After a 21-year wait, Italian singer-songwriter Riccardo Cocciante is releasing a new album of unreleased songs, titled “I have twenty years with you,” on March 13, 2026. The release coincides with the ongoing tour of his celebrated musical, “Notre-Dame de Paris,” as it celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2027.

A Collection of Past Reflections

Cocciante describes the album as a compilation of pieces written over time, selected from a larger body of work. “It is the gist of what has been done in all this time,” he explained. “I never thought about leaving the song.” The title track, “I have 20 years with you,” speaks to a desire to rediscover the initial essence of his artistry, moving beyond experimentation to reconnect with the sincerity of his early work.

Exploring Themes of Isolation and Identity

The song “Odile” addresses the complex theme of autism, portraying a character who “speaks with the trees and the walls” and “hides in the darkest corners at the edges of reality.” Cocciante connected with the lyrics, noting a personal resonance with the idea of internal isolation. He shared that, as a young man, he also struggled with self-expression, finding liberation through music.

Literary Influences and Personal Connections

The lyrics of “Characters of a Novel” reference classic literary works such as “Wuthering Heights,” “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” and “War and Peace.” Cocciante identifies strongly with Quasimodo from Victor Hugo’s “Notre-Dame de Paris,” a character who finds solace and transcendence within his own mind despite physical limitations. He sees parallels between Quasimodo’s experience and his own youthful introversion.

The Enduring Appeal of “Notre-Dame de Paris”

Cocciante’s musical adaptation of “Notre-Dame de Paris” has achieved international success, being performed in nine languages. He attributes its enduring appeal to its universal themes of power, human diversity, and originality. He emphasized that the production is not a traditional musical, opera, or operetta, but something unique. The staging, choreography, and arrangements have remained largely unchanged over the years, with only the performers rotating.

Evolving as a Performer

Whereas his vocal power remains, Cocciante acknowledges a natural shift in his range over time. He has adapted his performances, now alternating between singing while standing and playing the piano, offering audiences both dynamic showmanship and intimate moments. He notes a transition from youthful protest to a greater appreciation for the beauty of music.

Sanremo and the Future of Italian Music

Cocciante recalls his reluctant participation in the 1991 Sanremo Music Festival, where he won with “If we are together.” He expressed reservations about music as a competition, preferring to view each album as a personal challenge. Regarding recent Sanremo festivals, he observed a prevalence of rhythmic and rap music, suggesting a potential desire among audiences for a return to more melodic styles. He also noted a growing appreciation for live music performed without backing tracks.

When asked about the possibility of another album in 20 years, Cocciante remained open to the idea, hinting that further projects may be on the horizon.