A selection of the best pizzica artists. Calling all music lovers! Step into the traditional sounds of Southern Italy's musical heritage with this emblematic selection of the best pizzica performers. Famed for being strongly linked to its cultural roots, pizzica transcends time and generations. Artists maintain an authentic sound, creative melody and festive rhythms in each unique piece they create. If you're looking for a journey filled with enchanting sounds that tell the story of an ancient classic folk tradition, look no further ? this is the very best of pizzica.
Discovering the Best of Pizzica Music: A Journey to Southern Italy’s Traditional Sounds Have you ever heard of pizzica music? It’s a traditional sound that originated in Italy’s Southern region, specifically in Salento, and it’s been around for centuries! Pizzica music was born from the peasants’ need to exorcise the spider bite (known as tarantismo) that would bring them to a state of trance. Over the years, pizzica has evolved, and today it’s a musical genre that represents the cultural heritage of Southern Italy. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, genre, and songs of pizzica music, and introduce you to some of the best pizzica artists of all time. Pizzica music is an upbeat and energetic form of music, with fast-paced rhythms that can transport you into a world of joy, celebration, and dance. Traditional instruments such as the tambourine, the accordion, the mandolin, and the violin are used to create the typical sound of pizzica. The best way to experience pizzica is through dance, as it’s a form of expression that goes hand in hand with the music. In fact, pizzica dance is one of the most distinctive features of this genre, and it’s still practiced in traditional festivals and celebrations throughout Southern Italy. The history of pizzica music is fascinating. As mentioned earlier, pizzica was originally played to help people overcome the tarantismo, a state of trance caused by a spider bite. The dance used to be performed by women only, who would dress in red to symbolize the spider’s venom. The men, dressed in black, would then try to cure the women through their dance. This would go on until the woman ‘suffering’ from tarantismo would collapse, symbolizing the exorcism of the spider’s bite. Over time, pizzica evolved into a more joyful and celebratory form of music, played during weddings, parties or carnivals. When it comes to listening to pizzica music, there are a few songs and artists that stand out. One of the most popular songs is ‘Pizzica di San Vito,’ a tune that has become an icon of the genre. Other examples of great pizzica songs include ‘Taranta’ by Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, ‘La Rumba’ by Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare, and ‘La Ballata della Capina’ by Eugenio Bennato. These songs showcase the different styles and influences of pizzica music, and they’re a great starting point for anyone who wants to discover this genre. Finally, let’s talk about some of the best pizzica artists of all time. We can’t mention pizzica music without talking about the legendary Taranta Night, an event that celebrates the best performers of this genre. Popular pizzica artists include Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Uccio Aloisi, Eugenio Bennato, and Sud Sound System. These artists have contributed greatly to the evolution and popularity of pizzica music, and they continue to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners alike. Pizzica music is a unique and vibrant genre that represents the cultural heritage of Southern Italy. With its traditional roots, fast-paced rhythms, and lively dance, pizzica has captured the hearts of music lovers all over the world. Through this article, we’ve delved into the history and genre of pizzica, explored some of the most famous songs, and introduced you to some of the best pizzica artists. We hope we’ve inspired you to give this genre a listen and discover the magic of Southern Italy’s traditional sounds!