Singing for Justice: the “Falling in Law” Project and the “Articolo 34” Collective

At first glance, the languages of law and art may seem worlds apart—but Falling in Law, an international network, brings them together to underscore the force and necessity of justice. The project focuses on two emblematic figures: Enzo Tortora, symbol of the struggle for the presumption of innocence, and Giovanni Falcone, icon of the fight against organised crime. Two original songs were created in their honour.

The songs were performed by Articolo 34, a group of 34 law students from the University of Bologna, who chose to name themselves after Article 34 of the Italian Constitution, which upholds the right to education and merit-based opportunity.

Recorded at San Luca Sound studios, the two pieces feature collaborations with Japanese soprano Yasuko Arimitsu, Austrian actress Olivia Goschler, and the Orchestra of the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo.

“Falling in Law is not only an academic network—it’s a cultural movement that uses innovative languages, like music, to speak about justice and rights”, says Antonio Albanese, professor in the Department of Legal Studies at the University of Bologna, founder of Falling in Law, and creator of the project. “This initiative places students at the heart of a global conversation, alongside jurists and artists of the highest calibre”.

The international project explores the intersections between law and artistic and cultural expression, fostering exchange between legal scholars and experts from other disciplines, and encouraging active student involvement.

The first of the two songs born thanks to Falling in Law, Dal profondo del cuore (“From the Depths of the Heart”), was released on 18 May, the anniversary of Enzo Tortora’s death. Written by Rigel Bellombra—the artistic pseudonym of Professor Albanese—the song pays tribute to Tortora, a popular TV host and writer who was the victim of a major miscarriage of justice. At its core is a call to recognise the presumption of innocence as a cornerstone of the rule of law.

The second song, Non bastano gli eroi (“Heroes Are Not Enough”), is scheduled for release on 23 May, marking the anniversary of the Capaci bombing. It honours the legacy of Giovanni Falcone and the anti-mafia struggle. Falcone was assassinated in the attack along with his wife, Judge Francesca Morvillo, and security officers Vito Schifani, Rocco Dicillo, and Antonio Montinaro.

“There is a deep bond between law and culture”, notes Professor Albanese. “Falling in Law is an invitation not to separate these worlds. We want culture to challenge the law—to push it to evolve, renew itself, and remain human. And we want the law to protect, represent, and preserve culture—because only through this symbiosis can a society truly grow, informed by the principles of justice and dignity”.