Domenico Modugno - Lettera Di Un Soldato / Alleluja

Year Released: 1966
Genre: Italian Pop / Canzone / Orchestral Ballad

Description:

“Lettera di un Soldato / Alleluja” is a 7″ single by the legendary Italian singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno, released in 1966 on Carosello Records (catalog no. CI 20064). Known internationally for his earlier hit “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)”, Modugno used this later period of his career to explore more dramatic, introspective material — often merging traditional Italian melodic sensibility with socially conscious lyrics and orchestral arrangements.

The A-side, “Lettera di un Soldato” (Letter from a Soldier), is a poignant anti-war ballad written and composed by Modugno himself. The song takes the form of a soldier’s final letter to his loved ones, blending narrative lyricism with a solemn, cinematic orchestral backing. The arrangement — strings, soft brass, and military snare accents — underscores the emotional gravity of the lyrics, which lament the human cost of war and the universal yearning for peace.

Modugno delivers the performance with restrained power, his expressive voice conveying both tenderness and tragedy. The song stands among his most moving compositions, reflecting the mid-1960s wave of Italian canzone d’autore — poetic songwriting that prioritized narrative storytelling and emotional sincerity.

The B-side, “Alleluja,” contrasts the melancholy of the A-side with a more uplifting tone. It features a choral refrain and orchestral accompaniment, offering a spiritual counterpoint that balances reflection with hope. While less overtly political, “Alleluja” continues Modugno’s exploration of moral and existential themes, highlighting his evolution beyond popular love songs into more socially and philosophically engaged material.

Upon release, the single received critical praise in Italy for its lyrical depth and Modugno’s vocal performance, though it achieved modest commercial success compared to his earlier chart-topping hits. It remains a cult favorite among collectors of Italian 1960s pop and a noteworthy example of Modugno’s mature songwriting phase.

Musically, the record exemplifies the orchestral pop tradition of mid-’60s Italy — rich string sections, dramatic arrangements, and introspective lyrics delivered with operatic precision. Its recording quality and analog warmth also make it a prized item among vintage European collectors.

Original Italian pressings on Carosello feature the distinctive green-and-yellow label design with Modugno’s name in bold sans-serif type. Copies in excellent condition are now relatively scarce, particularly those with intact picture sleeves depicting Modugno in military-inspired attire, reinforcing the song’s anti-war narrative.

“Lettera di un Soldato / Alleluja” stands as one of Domenico Modugno’s most artistically ambitious singles, blending poetic storytelling, orchestral craftsmanship, and humanist sentiment — a timeless reflection on love, loss, and the hope for peace in an age of conflict