Sicile: Musiques Popularies/Sicily: Folk Music [Import] Review

I love this music.It is uplifting and rich in emotions.I am back in Sicily!!!!

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The World of Italian Hits of the 50's [Import] Review

I wrote this same review for the 1960s version of this compilation. It holds true here.

Be warned. Most of the songs on this set are not the original recordings.

There are a few vintage cuts by Marino Marini and Adriano Celentano but the rest appear to be re-recorded in the 1990s. However, most of the new versions are fairly tastefully arranged and performed. That is totally OK, becausewhat leaps to mind is that most of these re-recorded songs sound like they are straight out of the Italian-language section of a fakebook of any band that has played at an Italian-American wedding in the past 40 years. And for that reason, ther is a lot of charm. In short, it makes no difference if they are not the originals. These songs are part of the Italian national heritage. Calling Martin Scorsese...here is your next soundtrack!

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Italian Treasury: Calabria Review

This isn't the typical "world music" collection. It is a selction of recordings by ethnomusicologist (did you know there WAS such a job?) Alan Lomax from 1954-55, documenting the music of small Italian villages, musical forms that have vanished forever.
The performances lack polish and finesse, naturally. Much of the cd is more like an auditory documentary than anything else. For example, the opening track "Swordfishermen's Calls," are exactly that - two male voices, shouting melodically over a long distance. This isn't the happy accordian music you hear at the Olive Garden, to say the least.The variety of the music is striking, containg a capella, tarantela, lullabies, accordians, bagpipes and melodies of surprising complexity.The vocals are a bit rough, sometimes - the Italians like to sing loud, apparently, and some of the singers go flat when they do.
The liner notes are extensive and contain English translations. Highly recommended, if you're looking for something truly authentic, a historical document rather than professional renditions of old folk songs.

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Mandolins from Italy: 24 Most Popular Melodies Review

This is a very good CD of typical Italian mandolin music, perfect dinner music for an Italian dinner. With over seventy minutes of music, it shouldn't run out while you're still enjoying your espresso.

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Festa Italiana: Songs & Dances Review

Though not being a professional in music, this piece really caputured my attention, it has a special way to leave a lasting impression.I really, enjoyed the rhythm and flow of this piece of music.Beautiful dance numberand very romantic.The steady beat, keeps the passions soaring.

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Italian Treasury: Folk Music & Song of Italy Review

OK. If you are into it, this is realy authentic folk playing and singing. Recorded in 1954 (excelently restored!), gives an overview of many Italian regions, not excluding minorities (Albanians of Calabria and Slavs of Venezia-Giulia), with the traditional music performed by local artists.
Most impressive moment: A capella Calabrian song recorded on a fishing ship, while the crew (20 half-naked, (so the notes say!),fishermen) is raising an undersea net. It is a bawdy song, but strangely beautiful. You can hear squeaking and squeeling of the capstain throughout the song.
Full notes, all texts and translations, and history. Bravo!
No cheap commercial stuff, my friends, but real life material...

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