Customer Reviews

Rough Guide to Music of Italy

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Please don't pay attention to Cassondra! She may have traveled extensively in Italy, but she obviously doesn't know anything about Italian music! Everything on this CD is Italian, not at all Spanish! If there is a slight similarity between some Italian folk music and Spanish folk it may be because much of Italy was dominated by Aragon for many years. But this music IS Italian, no mistake about it. I wonder, does Cassondra think that these Italian musicians went to Spain and copied the music especially for this CD?

This CD features a variety of Italian musical styles. The CD opens with a taranella, you can't get any more Italian than that! But who would have thought a taranetlla would sound so good with a saxaphone? The musical journey winds through the penninsula and islands of Italy with a wonderful mix of songs and tunes played using traditional instruments with the occasional addition of a contemporary instrument and arrangement. The songs are sung in various dialects. The musicians highlighted are respected in their field. The songs range from whimsical to bawdy to melancholic.

I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants an overview to contemporary Italian roots music.

OK. We all know what Italian music is like, don't we?

Well, I thought I knew before I bought this gem. But music I heard open my eyes (or should I say ears?) to the variety of styles and genres Italy has to offer. Not to bore you: If this CD had only one track (no. 8. Jone - unfortunately you can not hear a sample) it would be worth its price. The brass band plays something that sounds like funeral melody, and it is so filled with emotions and sadness that it brings tears to your eyes. If you too live for those rare moments of beauty and elevation, this CD will definitely give you one.

I guarantee it!

The Rough Guide have put together a very high-quality introduction to traditional Italian music. Many of the brightest stars in Italian roots music are represented here: Riccardo Tesi, Re Niliu, Elena Ledda, Tenores di Bitti, and more. The collection represents great diversity of style and geography, and should serve as a great introduction to the music of Italy.

Modern Italians might be more likely to be listening to pop-driven radio hits than the diverse and mature traditional music represented here, but I highly recommend this compilation to anyone with an adventurous ear and even the mildest interest in Italian culture.

The songs/music in this compilation are a smooth blend of aurally pleasing sound that covers updated Italian folk music of the past as well as some poignant Italian folk revival music of the present. Thoroughly enjoyable!!

What a disappointment! Actually, the CD is appalling!!!! This is the kind of music you hear in southern Spain, not Italy. I travel to Europe 4 or 5 times a year & usually to Italy or Spain. Music is my thing - & I plan my trips around musical performances. I have never heard music like that on your CD in Italy in the 40+ years I've traveled there. Makes me de-value Rough Guides in general....