MusicMusic plays a major role in Italian Culture and Folklore. Many famous Renaissance composers came from Italy, including Monteverdi, Vivaldi, and Paganini. The violin, piano, and many musical words such as “sonnet”, “quartet”, and “concert” were invented in Italy. Italian folk music, or Trovatori, also forms a major part of Italy’s musical heritage because it offers a diverse array of regional styles, instruments, and locally colored languages. Folk music has always been a way to express local identity & address cultural, political, and social issues. Later on, Italian Opera rose in the 1600s.
|
CarnivalThe idea of Carnival began in 1162, as a gathering where the upper and lower classes could socialize freely, without fear of being judged. The participants would wear masks, which became popular around the 13th century. During this time everyone would feel equal, and could party together without the stress of their everyday jobs and duties. This was an annual event, but eventually it was stopped for a period of time. However, it resurfaced in 1979, and now occurs in the days leading up to lent as a celebration that millions of people travel to each year.
|
TarantellaTarantella arose as early as the 15th century, during the time of tarantism. Tarantella comes from the italian word, “tarantola”, which means tarantula. Between the 15th-17th centuries, tarantism was widely spread throughout Taranto, Italy, where “tarantola” is derived from. Italians believed that the bite of the tarantula was poisonous and that the only way to be cured was by dancing. The “tarantata”, or the victim, would dance until they were in rhythm with the music, by which the venom was then released. Tarantella is now known as a quick, frenzied, or wild couples dance performed with tambourines. It is seen as unlucky to dance alone, so the tarantella is danced in pairs. The dance is often performed at weddings or celebrations.
|