Neapolitan Canzone for mandolin and tenor: DROP BOX link
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pxh3vxt1t...D_jlTjywa?dl=0
DROP Box folder contains 45 canzone for mandolin and tenor.
Other than a few classic ballo liscio titles such as “Quanno Tramonte” and “Comme Faccette Mammeta?” this Neapolitan Canzone collection of 45+ titles features the mandolin in two different roles: the mandolin as a solo instrument and the mandolin as it doubles the vocal line. This vocal genre was exclusively sung by a tenor accompanied by a mandolin.
Yes, we’ve entered the back alleys of Naples! Today, should you visit the back alleys of Naples, and if you’re lucky, you might run into a “posteggiatori.” (Alfredo Imparato is famous because he may be the last in this musical cultural tradition). We call him a public singer or street musician/singer. A Naples street musician is not really a busker; he belongs to the ages and represents the embodiment of the authentic Neapolitan song (canzone). It all started with an ancient annual poetry festival near Naples, at a church known as La Madonna di Piedigrotta. Fiercely competitive song-writing contests brought Italy’s finest poets and musicians. The only requirement was that the lyrics be written and performed in the Neapolitan dialect (some insist it is a language). When you combine the poetic words with the distinctly Neapolitan mandolin style, you hear the most mellifluous sound on earth. One would have no trouble calling these “art songs.”
So, the salon soon became the stage for canzone. It featured better-than-average mandolin players who could make a living while schmoozing with wealthy patrons. They were educated in the Neapolitan style of strumming, the tremolo, and the execution of melodic phrasing. By the late Victorian era, these canzone were popular concert pieces. You would have to don proper attire to attend because these songs for tenor and mandolin were debuted (sometimes with piano) in private and public salons in Rome, London, Paris, and even New York. Francis Ford Coppola’s maternal grandfather Francesco Pennino wrote several hundred canzone. (I own about 120+ Pennino originals but I am not quite ready to check all copyrights for upload). A few are included in this collection.
This repertoire may seem like a lost art today but I know there are mandolin players who are keeping it alive and well. And we thank you! Visit a university music department and those studying classical music learn the Neapolitan composers such as Paolo Tosti (also included in this uploaded collection). My own tenor learned how to sing a few songs at Sonoma State University. It’s not easy but this enriching experience is a neglected style of vocal expression.
Ok, Sheri is getting a little carried away. Maybe not.
In 2010, filmmaker John Turturro explored his own Italian roots to produce a documentary “Passione.” He singlehandedly revived the passion (!) for this music. Granted, much of the music in the film was excessively fused with North African (Arabic) rhythmic and vocal influences; and sometimes it was hard to hear the original beauty residing in the melodic line. Neapolitan canzone does, in fact, draw on the Arabic harmonic influence; however, personally speaking, the film was overwrought with it. Still, his film has fueled a renewed interest. I would strongly suggest watching it.
The songs I’ve uploaded fall into this street tradition and what is also known as the “balcony” tradition. The musician would be hired to play under a woman’s balcony while the romantic tenor would sing of his unrequited love. To learn more about this mandolin-guitar tradition check out these websites:
www.annisitaly.com
http://www.napoliunplugged.com/alfre...sic-alive.html
My friend Kathy Sherak wrote an interesting article on Alfredo Imparato. I’ve attached a photo of him on the streets of Naples with his mandolin player. John La Barbera has a couple of books which may prove helpful. Also, I have transcriptions of some titles but mainly, you’d have to find an old Neapolitan book in a pawn shop or vintage store, or travel to Naples! That’s your best bet if you’re going to learn more. Naturally, Youtube is helpful for authentic renderings by Caruso and more contemporary tenors.
Not every mandolin player has the opportunity, interest, or patience to learn this repertoire; of course, it is challenging to find tenors who can sing it in the Neapolitan dialect. Still, the melodies don’t need words to be enjoyed; especially when the mandolin can soar on its own; that may be all that is necessary.
Buoni Auguri! Sheri Mignano Crawford
October 21, 2014
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