Top Italian Folk Music Tracks to Add to Your Playlist

Looking for some great Italian folk music to add to your playlist? Check out our top picks! From traditional ballads to more upbeat tracks, there’s something for everyone.

“A Vucchella” by Paolo Tosti

A vucchella is a Neapolitan song composed in 1894 by Paolo Tosti. The song is about a woman who is waiting for her lover to return, and it is considered one of the most important examples of Italian music. It has been recorded by numerous artists, including Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli.

“Funiculì, Funiculà” by Luigi Denza

Funiculì, Funiculà is a Neapolitan song composed in 1880 by Luigi Denza to commemorate the opening of the first section of the funicular railway on Mount Vesuvius. The song was immediately popular and quickly spread around the world, becoming one of the most famous and beloved Italian folk songs of all time.

“Funiculì, Funiculà” is a joyful ode to one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, and it remains a favorite among Italians and lovers of Italian music alike. If you’re looking for a classic Italian folk song to add to your playlist, this is a great choice!

“La Danza” by Giuseppe Verdi

“La Danza” is a track from Giuseppe Verdi’s popular opera “Don Carlos.” The music is light and cheerful, making it perfect for a festive Italian folk music playlist.

“Mattinata” by Ruggero Leoncavallo

“Mattinata” is a popular Italian folk song composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo in 1904. The song’s title means “morning” in Italian, and it is often sung as a morning prayer or greeting. “Mattinata” has been recorded by many artists over the years, but it is most commonly associated with the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, who recorded it in 1909.

“Nessun Dorma” by Giacomo Puccini

“Nessun Dorma” is an aria from the opera Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. It is sung by Calaf, a prince who has fallen in love with the cold Princess Turandot and hopes to melt her heart. The aria is famous for its soaring high notes, which many tenors have difficulty hitting.

“O mio babbino caro” by Giacomo Puccini

“O mio babbino caro” is one of the most popular arias in all of opera. It was composed by Giacomo Puccini for his opera Gianni Schicchi, which premiered in 1918. The aria is sung by the character Lauretta as she pleads with her father, Schicchi, to help her out of a love triangle.

The aria is beloved for its simple, direct melody and its heart-wrenching lyrics. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli. If you’re looking for a classic Italian folk song to add to your playlist, “O mio babbino caro” is a great choice.

“Quando m’en vo'” by Giacomo Puccini

Giacomo Puccini is one of the most popular Italian composers of all time. Though he is best known for his operas, he also wrote a number of folk songs that are still enjoyed today. “Quando m’en vo'” (“When I Go Out”) is one of his most beloved folk tunes. The song was originally written for Puccini’s opera La Bohème, but it has since become a standard in the Italian folk music repertoire.

The song tells the story of a young woman who is preparing to go out for the night. She is excited and nervous all at the same time, and she sings of her hopes and dreams for the evening ahead. “Quando m’en vo'” is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the essence of Italian folklore.

“Santa Lucia” by Teodoro Cottrau

“Santa Lucia” is a popular Italian folk song that has been enjoyed by Italians and non-Italians alike for many years. The tune is upbeat and catchy, making it perfect for any party or get-together. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman who leaves her home in Sicily to travel to the city of Naples. Along the way, she meets a handsome young man who falls in love with her.

“Torna a Surriento” by Ernesto De Curtis

If you are looking for some great Italian folk music to add to your playlist, look no further than “Torna a Surriento” by Ernesto De Curtis. Released in 1902, this track is a classic piece of Italian folk music that is sure to please any listener. The beautiful melody and lyrics make “Torna a Surriento” a must-have for any fan of Italian music.

“Volare” by Domenico Modugno

One of the most popular Italian songs of all time, “Volare” (“To Fly”) was released in 1958 by Domenico Modugno. The tune quickly topped the charts in Italy, France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and eventually went on to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. In addition to being a huge commercial success, “Volare” is also widely considered a classic of Italian pop music.