Battente Guitar Virtuosos Loccisano De Carolis

Loccisano De Carolis, an accomplished duo specializing in the chitarra battente (battente guitar), have embarked on a notable project aimed at familiarizing audiences with this lesser-known ten-stringed Italian instrument. Their musical compositions skillfully dissect the tonal and sonic capabilities inherent in the battente guitar, showcasing its remarkable potential.

Originally crafted by Francesco Loccisano and subsequently refined in collaboration with Marcello De Carolis, these pieces were specifically tailored for a concert, intended to fully expose the captivating auditory and evocative capacities of the battente guitar.

Initially, the prospect of facilitating a dialog between two solo instruments appeared insurmountable even to the accomplished musicians Francesco Loccisano and Marcello De Carolis. However, the duo’s resounding harmonies swiftly materialized, acquiring a distinctive character as they forged a symbiotic relationship between complicity and artistic expression. This fusion of creative forces granted their performances an unprecedented dynamism, rendering them truly unparalleled in nature.

The duo’s unwavering dedication to this instrument resonated deeply, resulting in an exchange of musical ideas and approaches centered around a common objective: the elevation of the battente guitar to the forefront of musical appreciation.

While initially daunting, the task of orchestrating a musical conversation between two solo instruments was soon conquered, as the duo’s collective ingenuity and artistic expression effortlessly intertwined. This convergence of talents captivated audiences with its melodic and expressive finesse.

In addition to their live performances, Loccisano De Carolis have published the book “La chitarra battente – Metodo base,” released by fingerpicking.net. This comprehensive guide serves as a foundation for aspiring musicians seeking to embark upon their own explorations of the battente guitar, providing valuable insights and techniques to facilitate their musical journey.

Recent accomplishments have solidified the duo’s reputation, with their performances gracing the stages of numerous prestigious festivals. These include the XXXVI International Guitar Festival of Lagonegro (Pz), the Alica Festival, the F. Cilea Conservatory of Music in Reggio Calabria, the VII Mandolin Festival of Avigliano (Pz), and the I Colori festival of the South. Through these engagements, Loccisano De Carolis continue to captivate audiences, cementing their position as front-runners in the world of chitarra battente music.

Loccisano De Carolis were selected to perform at the influential WOMEX world music showcase in 2023.

(Headline image: Francesco Loccisano and Marcello De Carolis – Photo by Vito D’Andrea)

Discography:

Venti (Italysona, 2020)