Italian Rondinella Quartet – Amurusanza (Respect Record, 2024)
In Italy, the celebration of regional and local identities, particularly through traditional, roots, and folk music, has been a distinct and cherished practice. Nowhere is this more evident than in southern Italy.
The Amurusanza album is a captivating compilation of renowned traditional songs from various regions in southern Italy, including Puglia, Campania, Sicily, Basilicata, Calabria, and Sardinia. The Italian Rondinella Quartet, an ensemble of highly accomplished musicians from different towns in southern Italy, presents a harmonious blend of emotional vocals accompanied by mandolin, guitar, and percussion.
Female vocalist Enza Pagliara elaborates. “My passion for traditional Italian music has led me to explore the repertoire of traditional music from various regions, especially southern Italy, for over twenty years. I thought it would be interesting for Japanese and listeners around the world to discover the differences in rhythms and melodies from the various regions. From a large collection of songs, we selected traditional oral songs from southern Italy, which were originally sung a cappella.” Percussionist Luigi Morelo set about arranging them, respecting tradition with a modern sensibility by adding new harmonies and rhythms.
“The songs have been arranged and remade in a modern way” adds Enza “but they still convey the feelings contained in those traditional songs. I sang them with all my heart with the feeling of ‘singing for the earth’”. The songs convey the importance of love and kindness, universal emotions that we can all connect with in these busy modern times. In Italy, each region has its own language and music, and we would be happy if the listener can feel the unique atmosphere, rhythm, and charm of the music of southern Italy.”
Quartet members:
Enza Pagliara, vocals.
Enza, an extraordinary singer and song collector born in Torchiarolo, Puglia, has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Stewart Copeland, Ludovico Einaudi, Goran Bregovic, Phil Manzanera, and the Petruzzelli Symphony Orchestra. As a dedicated researcher of southern Italian folk songs, she has contributed to numerous films, documentaries, and projects aimed at preserving and promoting Italian folklore.
Mauro Squillante, mandolin.
From Naples, Campania, Mauro is a specialist and researcher of ancient string instruments. Leading the Napoli Mandolin Orchestra, he has presented his music globally as a soloist and in various duos, trios, and ensembles. Additionally, Mauro is associated with various universities, offering courses and masterclasses worldwide, and has made notable contributions to recordings for prestigious record companies.
Sante Tursi, guitar.
Originally from Bari, Sante has earned numerous awards at international competitions, including the Segovia of Granada and Tokyo International Guitar Competition. His performances have graced renowned concert halls worldwide, and he has recorded an album featuring chamber music from the early 19th century.
Luigi Morleo, percussion.
Born in Torchiarolo, Puglia, Luigi is a world-renowned percussion player who has directed and performed music by notable figures like Steve Reich and John Cage. His influence extends across jazz, world music, and other genres. Luigi has also composed film soundtracks, with his works performed in Europe, the USA, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Now, let’s explore some highlights from the album:
Tammurriata del Vesuvio (Campania / Napoletano) – A traditional Campanian song and dance performed with the tambourine. The lyrics tell the story of a young man expressing his love, while his mother laments his impending marriage.
Lu nigghje ‘n aria va (Basilicata / Lucano) – Originating from Basilicata, this song revolves around parents pondering the choice of a suitable spouse for their daughter.
‘Ntunucciu (Puglia/Salentino) – From Puglia, this funeral song guides a loved one into eternal sleep, emphasizing the enduring power of love over death.
A spuntunera (Calabria / Calabrese) – Set in Calabria, the song reflects on the beauty of a beloved, capturing the essence of life’s agricultural cycles and festivals.
Riciclare NoAltRight – An original composition by Luigi Morleo, this instrumental track conveys the message of environmental protection and respecting people’s rights through recycling.
Oriamu rindineddha (Puglia / Grico) – Evoking nostalgic feelings, this song sees a young man questioning a swallow that has crossed the ocean about his parents and loved ones awaiting his return.
La rustagghjia (Sardegna / Sardo) – Initially thought to be from Sardinia, Enza’s research reveals that the song originated in Corsica. The narrative involves the theft of a sickle belonging to Simonu, with a priest emphasizing its importance in church and urging the thief to return it.
Suennu suennu (Puglia / Salentino) – A deeply personal song for Enza, expressing the warmth and security of maternal love, as it holds a special place in her heart.
A la nicusiota (Sicilia / Sicilliano) – From Nicosia, Sicily, this song features a man expressing his profound feelings of love, declaring that his heart will never rest to capture the beauty of his beloved.
Buy Amurusanza.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
