MUSIC
The great tradition of Neapolitan music
Know the history of instruments and how to build them
Mandolin
Naples is one of the most stereotyped cities both for better and for worse; the city of the sun by the sea, where everyone sings, and where obviously you eat pizza and play the mandolin. The Mandolin seems to owe its name, as does the instrument from which it derives, the mandola, to the Mediterranean fruit of the almond. The beginning of the production of Neapolitan mandolins built by the Vinaccia, a family of famous Neapolitan luthiers, dates back to the mid-eighteenth century. Thanks to the Vinaccias, steel strings began to be used which replaced the brass ones.
Tammorra
The tammorra is the main instrument of the Campania tradition and boasts very ancient origins. It accompanied the hard work of the fields, but it was also the means for the loving approach, the conquest of the woman and the man who only on these occasions enjoyed relative freedom. The tammorra is one of the musical instruments, together with “triccabballacche” and “putipù”, which are played as the musical background of the “tammurriata”, a name used to indicate the Neapolitan tarantella, a typical Neapolitan folk dance.
Naple’s music
Neapolitan music is a musical genre rich in tradition and history, originating from the city of Naples. Characterized by a mixture of different influences, including popular music, opera and folklore, Neapolitan music has a wide range of styles and forms. One of the best-known genres of Neapolitan music is the Neapolitan song, which often tells stories of love, passion, nostalgia and everyday life. The melodies are often catchy and the words full of emotion. Famous Neapolitan composers and songwriters include Eduardo di Capua, Salvatore Di Giacomo, Renato Carosone and many others. Neapolitan music has had a significant impact on Italian and international musical culture, influencing artists of different eras and genres. Its beauty and authenticity continue to be celebrated and passed down through generations.