| Italian Musical Odyssey |
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Folk Music Revival
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"Fiamma Fumana take traditional folk songs with violins and accordions and then make it into club dance music."
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Mention Italian music and most people think of opera and operatic singers such as Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli. They might have heard of the San Remo Music Festival or sung along to recordings of classic Neapolitan songs, which are the most popular and familiar for both Italians and non–natives alike. But there's another musical tradition that's had a long and creative history—Italian folk music—that's now enjoying a revival as artists and listeners alike recognize this culturally rich musical heritage.
Independent Regions, Differences in Music
Regional differences in everything from food and language to culture and history is the common motif of Italy, and Italian folk music is no different. Italian folk music varies depending on the region it originates from, but usually combines classical, folk, and world elements. It is also usually sung in dialect, which adds to the richness of the sound.
Sometimes called root music, Italian folk music is simply music with roots in a particular tradition as opposed to bland pop music. At the Web site Musica Tradizionale Italiana there is an interactive map of Italy where one can find a list of groups specializing in traditional music, concert schedules, and clips featuring musical works. Browsers can also listen to Sicilian folk music online or read a review of Italian folk music.
A Documentary and CD
For those who want to sample today's thriving Italian folk music revival scene, Italian Musical Odyssey, distributed by Putumayo World Music, is a terrific introduction. Italian Musical Odyssey, 
, which accompanied a musical documentary on PBS in the US and on public television around the world, is a compilation featuring leading figures in the Italian folk music revival movement such as Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare, Riccardo Tesi, La Ciapa Rusa, Lucilla Galeazzi, Fratelli Mancuso, and Calicanto.
Italian Musical Odyssey reveals the depth, diversity and beauty of one of the world's great sources for folk music. None of the selections on Italian Musical Odyssey have been released in the US before now, and many have never been heard outside of Italy. The songs on Italian Musical Odyssey reveal an often overlooked dimension of Italian culture. The lovely lilting melodies, exotic instrumentation and prosaic poetry of Italian folk music will appeal to fans of world, folk and classical music, not to mention people interested in Italian culture.
