The stereotypical image of mandolin players serenading under the balcony still exists in parts of the south of Italy . However there is a plethora of talented musicians and cantautore (singer/song writers) who are loved immensely here but have not had success in England or America due to the Anglo Saxon bias against songs which are not written in English. It really doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the lyrics as the music is appealing and melodic enough to stimulate your finer sensibilities.

Of course, Italian Opera and Classical music are world famous. Giuseppe Verdi wrote Va Pensiero in the 19^th century as a veiled protest against the Austrians who occupied the North East. When audiences shouted ‘Viva Verdi!’ (Long live Verdi!) Austrians joined in without realising that they were uniting with the disaffected. Puccini and Rossini are hugely popular and of course everyone has heard of Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.

There is also a thriving popular music scene which is less known about in England and America but is well worth exploring. You may already have heard of Zucchero who has enjoyed enormous success in the UK . Zucchero played to a packed audience at The Royal Albert Hall this year. Past collaborations have included English artist Joe Cocker and hits include Senza Una Donna (Without A Woman) sang with Paul Young.

Eros Ramazzotti has recorded hits with the likes of Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and Cher and continues to enjoy great solo success in Italy and abroad. Both artists have mixed English and Italian lyrics permitting greater accessibility in terms of language.

There are cantautore who have been writing and performing since the 60’s and 70’s but remain refreshingly contemporary such as Renato Zero, Claudio Baglioni, Antonello Venditti and Lucio Dalla. These artists enjoy huge followings here and concerts usually sell out quickly. Zero’s and Baglioni’s concerts are spectacles not to be missed, accompanied by dance, costume and a touch of the theatrical.

There is a new generation who are making waves abroad. Laura Pausini and Elisa have recorded songs in English but the greatest voice around at the moment belongs to Tiziano Ferro who has just released Universal Prayer together with Jamelia. If you managed to catch this year’s MTV awards Ferro was the last artist performing his most recent single Sere Nere (White Evenings).

Rap is becoming increasingly popular having began in the 80’s with artists such as Jovanotti. Current Rap bands include Gemelli Diversi. Caparezza and Articolo 31. The language works well with the rhythm and although bands imitate American rappers they manage to transform the medium into an expression of the problems and concerns of Italian youth.

Traditional forms such as the southern tarantella still exist and are best experienced within the context of a local festa (celebration). During the summer cities, towns and villages pulsate to the rhythm of live music. Popular artists will often perform free live concerts even in lesser known locations, funded by the local commune (council). These are wonderful affairs accompanied by local food and wine which are affordable and usually of superb quality.

Italians love wine, women and song and if they can have all three together they are in paradiso! Music is the food of love and it’s easy to understand why so many songs here have aided so many love stories. I would urge you to tune into a local Italian radio station when on your next trip to Italy to get a flavour of the diverse musical talent that exists. If, like me, you appreciate good music you could well find yourself with a collection of Italian CDs packed in your luggage on the flight home to keep those memories of a wonderful holiday alive.

By Diane Wheeler