ABSTRACT
This chapter explores various possible meanings of 'influence' within the context of the canzone d'autore. It focuses on the cantautore Fabrizio De Andre, and his alleged source of inspiration in France, Georges Brassens. In order to examine the extent to which this claim can be demonstrated and therefore proved, we will examine De Andre and Brassens in more detail. The chapter examines these elements in the context of the singer-songwriters' writing style. In order to fully appreciate the possible musical 'influences' derived from Brassens's work which are present in De Andre's songs, it is necessary to look firstly at the French singer-songwriter's music, which at first glance appears largely unsophisticated. There are clear similarities between Brassens and De Andre from the point of view of lyrics, themes, music, performance and outlook, as this chapter has illustrated.
