Salento, the southernmost region of Apulia at the heel of the Italian boot, possesses an exceedingly rich and lively musical tradition. The music is multifaceted, melodically catchy, full of power, magic and emotion and is significantly defined by the rhythmically propulsive and impulsively gripping Pizzica (Tarantella). In particular, all of this also applies to the songs of the minority in the so-called Grecìa Salentina, who speaks a fascinating mix of Greek and Italian (Griko).
Michael Aschauer has selected very diverse songs that are immensely popular in the area and arranged them sensitively for two treble voices and and piano. The arrangements can be performed individually or as a small cycle. The additional English lyrics represent a subtle translation that is closely based on the original. The complete recordings, the piano parts as playbacks as well as the audio pronunciation aids (spoken by Manuela Pellegrino and Salvatore Tommasi), which make it easy to learn the original lyrics, are available at no charge through the HELBLING Media App.
These deeply moving, soulful and stirring songs, often about the many facets of love, represent a musical treasure that is worth singing and listening to far beyond Italy. With these arrangements you can bring the flair of Southern Italy, its passion and joie de vivre to your region. Performers and audience alike will be thrilled and moved.
