Italian Musical Odyssey

Various Artists - International - Italy, Various Artists - International - Europe - Continental | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 24, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 24, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Putumayo World Music
• ASIN: B00004YLBS
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,864 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Spunta Lu Suli - Agricantus

2. La Torinese - La Ciapa Rusa

3. Quante Stelle Nel Cielo Con La Luna - Lucilla Galeazzi

4. Il Battagliero - Riccardo Tesi

5. Adrianna - Rua Port'Alba

6. Accussi Va La Barca Al Mari - Fratelli Mancuso

7. Attinde - Calic

8. Bealaguna - Calicanto

9. Franziska - Taken

10. Canti & Briganti - Novalia

11. Senza Parla - Nuova Compagnia Di Canto Popolare

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There is more to Italian music than the Three Tenors, "O Sole Mio," and "Volare." A burgeoning folk revival has fostered a diverse crop of ensembles and singer-songwriters hailing from throughout the country, including Naples. Their styles range from contemporary neo-trad to the earthiest rural troubadours. Clichés quickly fall by the wayside before such a startling wealth of cultural outpourings. Among the most surprising revelations are Agricantus and La Ciapa Rusa, both of whom would be perfectly at home sitting in with Celtic acts, and Lucilla Galeazzi, a noted musicologist whose mournful, flexible mezzo evokes the shadows of Portuguese fado. The Fratelli Mancuso are a Sicilian duo who sound as though they are channeling the spirit of Gordon Lightfoot. Calic does a kind of Sardinian toasting, while Riccardo Tesi, Tuscany's melodeon virtuoso, exhibits his mastery. This is a stimulating introduction to an extraordinary family of performers and traditions. --Christina Roden

From Rhythm Magazine

Putumayo offers us a short but sweet sampler of Italian roots music today. Although important Italian roots artists like Umbria's Lucilla Galeazzi, the Neapolitan Rua Port'Alba, and the Sardinian group C`lic are included, it lacks several well known artists such as Alessandro Belloni or Mario Crispi. Still, songs from each region speak to the wonderful diversity of Italian traditions. Mellow acoustic cuts prevail: Full-throated vocals star in presentations from Fratelli Mancuso and Novalia, but the Argicantus cut is a folky ditty devoid of its usual defiant techno production. Sugary accordions are emphasized over banging drums. The stereotypical notions of operatic tenors singing to senoras in the town square should be demolished by this manifestation of the depth and diversity of Italian musical traditions. This is Italian roots music-it is important that it is heard outside of Italy. But there is more than this. -Brian Grosjean

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars OK, I'll give it a 4.5, October 2, 2003

By 

S. Morgan (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Italian Musical Odyssey (Audio CD)

I love this CD. If for not other reason, buy it for Lucilla Galeazzi's sublime "Quante stelle nel cielo con la luna". Her voice is strong yet smooth. Her delivery is moving. Unfortunately, her music is hard to find, so I get it where I can. Luckily, this CD also has many other gems touching on several major styles of contemporary Italian folk music. This music polished and by true musicians singing in Italian an in dialect. It is well produced and played. Kick back and enjoy!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Magical Musical Tour of Italy, December 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Italian Musical Odyssey (Audio CD)

This CD of Italian folk music is an absolutely wonderful audio tour showcasing the individuality of different regions. Listen and experience the "heart and soul" and unique beauty of each region of the country, from northern Italy to Sicily. As a second generation Italian-American, I find listening to this CD is the next best thing to being there.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT!, January 20, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Italian Musical Odyssey (Audio CD)

My mom was born in Sicily and I was browsing through the CD samples looking for Italian music from her place of birth. How lucky to have stumbled upon this CD! It only has a couple of pieces from Sicily, but it "grabbed" me from the very first note...and it got better and better. Then, "Quante stelle nel cielo con la luna" is, in my opinion, one of the best songs in the CD. The singer has a strong, crystal clear, and, in spite of the strength, very sweet voice...wonderful interpretation. I must confess that I was not familiar with this type of music. This is a contemporary approach to traditional music. Folk music with a wonderful touch. There are various interpreters, so you get the full taste of different styles. The blend of instruments, styles and voices is just beautiful. Some pieces are sweet, some so lively that you feel like dancing, and all are wonderful. I will have to get extra copies for my son and my sister.