Francesca Michielin releases music inspired by historical witch hunts

Italian singer-songwriter Francesca Michielin has released a new single, ‘La mia ragazza’, inspired by the historical figure Katherina Hetzeldorfer. Hetzeldorfer, originally from Nuremberg, was a woman living in Speyer in 1477 who became one of the first women documented to be prosecuted and executed for same-sex relations.

The single is part of Michielin’s concept album, ‘Magia Bianca’, which explores themes of femininity, folklore, and the history of witch hunts. The artist utilized extensive philological and historical research for the project, consulting texts such as ‘The Gospel of Witches’ and studying the works of historians like Chiara Frugoni.

To develop the album’s themes, Michielin visited various historical sites in Italy, including Triora and Fiè allo Sciliar, locations known for past persecutions. The project blends electronic music and dungeon synth with historical narratives to examine the scrutiny of female sexuality during the Middle Ages.