Performer: Luciano Pavarotti + chorus
Instrumentation: full western classical orchestra, soloist and chorus
Culture or Origin: Italy
Connection: I recently completed my interview with my Nonni regarding Italian music. When I was with her she pulled out a big stack of CDs that she had collected over the years. One of the collections had 4 CDs in it. It included Folk Songs, Mandolin Music and Music from Italy. This song was on one of the CDs. My Nonni also pulled out a couple of Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli CDs. These artists are more mainstream but still sing the Italian songs with a certain finesse After I was reacquainted with Luciano Pavarotti and the Funiculi, Funicula song, I was hit with a childhood memory. I remembered dancing around my living room with family while this song was playing through the CD player during a parties.
I bring up this story because during the interview with my Nonni she talked about how her family would always dance every night. Her brother would play the accordion and her sisters would dance and they would sing together.
I also have other memories of my family singing this song when holding babies. They would bounce the baby on their knee and sing this song to them. They would also sing or chant to the baby in Italian.
How does this connect? One of the first couple readings we had was about helping our students discover and retain their own cultures. Yes, we will teach them Western Classical music and concepts. However, it is just as important to help them connect back to their roots. These memories made me smile and be proud of my heritage. I am glad that there are still music, food, and Italian cultural tradition in my family.
