Italian Music from the Ears to the Soul

About Italian Music

Music is always considered therapeutic, especially when you feel low or when you need to relax and get entertained. It is medicine to the soul, and Italian music is not an exception. Italian music genres range from Italian folk music to Italian pop music.

The Different Genres of Italian Music

There are different types of Italian music. Here are some of them:

Italian Opera

La Scala, Milano, Italian Music from the Ears to the Soul - The Proud Italian

When Italian music is mentioned, you will not miss opera. It is a genre associated with the identity of Italians. Opera music was trendy in the 19th century with artists like Giuseppe Verdi, among others. During this time, composers based their themes on classical mythology. 

Some were inspired by poems of chivalry done by Tasso and Ariosto. Opera is used as a way of expressing the feelings of society.

Italian Folk Music

Italy’s folk music is very diverse. The styles include monophonic, polyphonic, choral, instrumental, and vocal music. The songs falling in this category include lyrical songs, children’s songs, ballads, and seasonal songs sung around celebrations like weddings, Christmas, and other important events.

Italian folk music is famous for numerous percussion instruments. They include bells, castanets, drums, and woodblocks. Dance is also an integral part of Italian folk music. Many of the dances are group activities, and the settings are done in rows and circles.

Accordion, Italian Music from the Ears to the Soul - The Proud Italian

Instrumental Italian Music

Italian Instrumental music began growing in the 20th century. Composers of this genre used native folk traditions. Upcoming organizations such as the Venice Festival of Contemporary Music and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino promoted Italian music. 

However, Italians preferred more traditional pieces and established standards. Just a few audiences sought new styles of classical music.

Italian Pop Music

Pop music in Italy is divided into five styles:

  • Musica leggero-in English, the term means Light Music. It originates from classical music. You will find the following musical instruments present in these musical pieces; piano, folk guitar, strings, drums, saxophone, and keyboards bass.
  • Protest themes-In this case, protest themes are incorporated in pop music. The compositions address injustices, and they also urge listeners to initiate social change.
  • Progressive rock-This style of pop has a complex structure, and the musical theme develops during the song. This is why it is called “progressive.”
  • Rock leggero-this is the Italian version of soft rock. It is a light and not very aggressive rock.
  • Modern Italian troubadours-they mainly deal with themes of love and chivalry. Most are intellectual and humorous at the same time. They can be grouped again into three styles; trobar leu (light), trobar ric (rich), and trobar clus (closed).

The Most Successful Italian Music Artists of All Time

Adriano Celentano

Adriano Celentano Singing On Stage,
The Italian singer and actor Adriano Celentano singing ‘Chi non lavora non fa l’amore’, the song will win the Festival. Sanremo, February 1970 (Photo by Giorgio Lotti/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images), source

Adriano’s music was inspired by rock n roll influences brought to the world by Elvis Presley’s likes. He has been around since the late 1950s. He is famous for the Ragazzo Della Via Gluck and the amusing Prisencolinensinainciusol, which is lyrical nonsense.

Apart from music, Adriano also ventured into other money-making avenues that include comedy, dancing and he also formed his record label, Clan Celentano. He is worth 150 million USD.

Patty Pravo

Patty’s story is an interesting one. She was once wealthy but became poor and was lucky to be successful again. In the mid-1960s, Patty found fame with songs such as Sto Con Te, Ragazzo and her number one smash was La Bambola. She is worth 110 million USD.

Luciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti, Italian Music from the Ears to the Soul - The Proud Italian
From Wash D.C. copyright John Mathew Smith, author Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, source Luciano Pavorotti

Pavarotti’s successful career began in the 1960s after appearing in a Reggio Emilia performance of La Boheme as Rodolfo. He was also a part of the three tenors along with Spaniards Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. Luciano Pavarotti’s voice did not miss in the song Nessun Dorma that was sung in Italy’s 1990 world cup. 

He made appearances in places like Vienna, Vancouver, and Los Angeles. He is worth 100 million USD.

Toto Cutugno

Toto Cutugno is known for the song Insieme.  The song won in the Eurovision Song Contest. One of his biggest hits, L’Italiano, made him very successful in 1983. It was sung again in 2006 when he performed it at a concert to celebrate when Italy won the World Cup. He is worth 100 million USD.

Andrea Bocelli

Andrea is one of the best-selling Italian music artists of all time. He has contributed to some top operas in Italy, such as Romeo and Juliet, Turandot and Tosca. Most of his songs have paid tribute to all aspects of opera. 

He has also covered film music and themes, as well as classic Christmas songs. His powerful voice won the hearts of famous artists like Celine Dion, Elizabeth Taylor, and Al Jarreau. He is worth 90 million USD.

Umberto Tozzi

Umberto Tozzi became famous when his song Ti Amo became a massive hit in countries such as Spain, Latin America, and Sweden. Success came when he sold many records in the 21st century. His success also contributed to the appearances he made at the Sanremo Music Festival and collaborations with musicians like Raf and Lena Ka. He is worth 75 million USD.

Ennio Morricone

Morricone’s success comes from a string of classical soundtracks. He has written more than 500 classic scores for both film and TV. He provided music for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The Mission, and For A Few Dollars More. He started by playing Jazz in local bands in the 40s. He composed Chi Mai, Gabriel’s Oboe, and Man with a Harmonica. He is worth 70 million USD.

Laura Pausini

Laura Pausini, Italian Music from the Ears to the Soul - The Proud Italian
Author Valentini17, source: own work

Laura started her musical career in 1993. She came to the limelight in 1993 during the Sanremo performance of her song, La Solitudine. Her successful career began when her hit became a number one single in Italy in the year 1993. 

What has contributed to Laura’s success is her powerful vocals that have put her on the charts. Other hits that she has done are Gente, Lettera, and Incancellabile. Her success has put her on various platforms; she appears on the Spanish versions of The Voice and The X Factor as a mentor and judge. She is worth 70 million USD.

Summary

You will always enjoy Italian music. Depending on the occasion, you will not miss a genre to listen to. During dinner, enjoy Italian dinner music and also Italian background music.