Calabrese Folk Music: The Heart and Soul of Italy

Calabrese folk music is the heart and soul of Italy. This vibrant and passionate music is steeped in tradition and history, and it continues to be an important part of the country’s cultural identity. If you’re looking to experience the true spirit of Italy, there’s no better way than to enjoy some Calabrese folk music.

What is Calabrese Folk Music?

Calabrese folk music is the music of the Calabrese people, who are an ethnic group native to the region of Calabria in southern Italy. The music is characterized by its use of the Calabrese dialect, as well as its unique blend of influences from Arabic, Greek, and Norman cultures. The most popular form of Calabrese folk music is the pentagramma, which is a five-line song composed in a minor key. Other popular forms of Calabrese folk music include the ballata, ciaccona, saltarello, and tarantella.

The Origins of Calabrese Folk Music

Calabrese folk music has its origins in the music of the ancient Greeks. The first Calabrian musicians were brought to the region by Greek settlers, and they brought with them a rich tradition of music and song. This music was adapted and assimilated by the Calabrian people, and over time it developed into its own unique genre.

Calabrese folk music is characterized by a strong vocal presence, often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and mandolin. The lyrics of these songs are often about the daily life of the Calabrian people, their history, and their culture. This music is an important part of the Calabrian identity, and it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

If you want to experience the true heart and soul of Italy, be sure to check out some Calabrese folk music!

The Instruments of Calabrese Folk Music

Calabrese folk music is marked by a wide variety of instruments. The principal instrument is the zampogna, an ancient bagpipe with two chanters and a single drone. The zampogna is often played in duets, one player using the drone and chanter in C, the other playing the lower chanter in G. This two-part music is known as organetto e zampogna.

Other traditional instruments include the ciaramedda, a type of flute; the marranzanu, a large tambourine; the fiscolo, a small handheld drum; and the launeddas, ancient triple clarinets.

The music of Calabria is also characterized by strong vocal traditions. The traditional repertoire includes both secular and religious songs, many of which are centuries old.

One of the most distinctive features of Calabrese folk music is its use of microtonality, or divisions of tones that are smaller than what is typically heard in Western music. This gives Calabrese folk music its unique sound and helps to create a sense of cohesion among those who play it.

The Sounds of Calabrese Folk Music

Calabrese folk music is Italy’s answer to country music. The songs are often about love, life, and death, and they are sung in a characteristic minor key. They are usually passed down from generation to generation, and many of the older songs date back hundreds of years.

The music is typically played on a simple combination of instruments, including the mandolin, accordion, fiddle, and guitar. The sound is often compared to that of the blues, and it has a similarly mournful quality.

Calabrese folk music is an important part of the region’s identity and heritage. It is a reflection of the hard-working, passionate people who call Calabria home. If you want to get a taste of the real Italy, Calabrese folk music is the perfect place to start.

The Dance of Calabrese Folk Music

Most of the dances of Calabria are line dances; that is, the dancers stand in a line, sometimes holding hands, sometimes not, and dance together. The steps are usually simple, although some of the older dances have more complicated steps that require the dancer to cross his feet or to turn around. The music for the dances is usually provided by a band consisting of an accordion, a guitar, and a tambourine.

The music of Calabria is heavily influenced by the music of Sicily and southern Italy. The most popular form of Calabrese folk music is the tarantella, which is a lively dance involving quick movement and loud music. The tarantella is often performed at weddings and other special occasions.

Other popular dances from Calabria include the pizzica, which is a lively dance involving spinning and jumping; the passu torrIU, which is a slower dance that includes turning and weaving; and the saltarello, which is a fast-paced dance involving hopping and jumping.

The Popularity of Calabrese Folk Music

Although often overshadowed by other, more-famous Italian music styles, Calabrese folk music is an important and integral part of the country’s rich musical tradition. With its unique blend of influences from both southern and northern Italy, Calabrese folk music has a sound and feel all its own.

For centuries, Calabrese folk music was passed down from generation to generation, primarily through oral tradition. In recent years, however, the popularity of Calabrese folk music has begun to grow, thanks in part to the efforts of musicians who have worked to preserve and promote the style.

Today, Calabrese folk music can be heard in a variety of settings, from intimate family gatherings to large public concerts. And while the popularity of the style may be on the rise, one thing remains unchanged: the heart and soul that Calabrese folk music brings to those who hear it.

The Future of Calabrese Folk Music

Despite the fact that folk music is not as popular as it once was, there are still many people who appreciate this genre of music. In Calabria, folk music is an important part of the culture and heritage. The future of Calabrese folk music is unknown, but there are still many people who love and appreciate this type of music.