Yaràkä – Curannera (Zero Nove Nove, 2023)
Yaràkä’s music is imbued with ritualistic themes, echoing traditions of exorcism and healing prevalent in Southern Italy and beyond. Their repertoire on Curannera includes transfixing original compositions and reinterpreted classics, reflecting their commitment to preserving ancestral traditions.
The trio’s exploration of the Curannera’s legacy extends beyond musical efforts. Through historical research and oral traditions, they go deeply into the rituals and customs of the past, aiming to revitalize forgotten practices. Their spellbinding, trancy music pays homage to the ancient city of Taranto’s rich history and its role as a cultural crossroads throughout the ages. Moreover, their lyrics are extracted from the traditional Tarantino, Lucano, and Sicilian repertoire.
Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Virginia Pavone reflects on the significance of love and healing in a tumultuous world, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Curannera: “In a historical period in which many values are increasingly crumbling, it is difficult to love oneself; by practicing love towards others and towards life, one understands exactly what love is and how to be able to love to heal from the wounds that each of us carries within, by healing them, as the Curannera taught us.“
The Curannera, a prominent female figure in folk medicine, utilized natural elements in ritualistic healing to alleviate physical and spiritual ailments. She serves as a muse for Yaràkä, connecting heaven and earth, and bridging diverse cultures.
The Curannera, known locally as Curannérə in the Tarantino dialect, was revered as a healer among the folks in southern Italy. She practiced folk medicine, addressing a range of ailments, from minor maladies to childbirth complications. Employing a combination of herbs, stones, and amulets, she conducted ritualistic healing to soothe the soul and spirit.
Gianni Sciambarruto elaborates on the significance of the Curannera as a symbol of unity across cultures in Yaràkä’s artistic vision: “Coming from small townships, we as Yarákä place a great deal of importance on the values of “minimalist or pared down” ways of living found in communities that are predominantly farming where music accompanied, and marked, moments of a life lived in close contact with nature. Our research, therefore, also becomes a sort of internalization of this world, which spoke in simple expressions, so that we may hand it back to ours, in customized, tailored clothing that is not, however, misshapen.“
Musicians: Gianni Sciambarruto on berimbao, guitar, saz, doromb, vocals; Virginia Pavone on vocals, harmonic bark flute, shamanic tambourine; and Simone Carrino on tambourine, riq, daf, kanjira, troccola, vocals.
Guests: Professor Anna Vozza, narrating voice in “Tuppe tuppe” ; Cristina Ciura on violin; Sabrina Di Maggio on violin; Arianna Latartara on viola; Mirko Sciambarruto on cello.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mimmo Galloppa at Perfect Waves Studio
Photo: Valentina Pavone.
Bodypainting: Alessandro Matassa.
Artwork: Giulio Rugge.
Buy Curannera.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
