Figure 1.-Here we see Neapolitan street children (scugnizzi) in the about the turn of the 20th century. We can see children playing simple instruments in hope of getting coins from passerbys. Their music is part of the rich musical tradition of Naples.

Naples most important cultural contribution is in music. Here it has been an important force in Westerm music, both clasical and popular music. The early music conservatories made an important contribution (16th century). Alessandro Scarlatti was a major composer and influence during the Baroque period. The Teatro San Carlo in Naples is the oldest opera house in Italy. It was founded (1737). Some of the first ballet productions were also performed here during the opera intermissions. The great opera composers (Pergolesi, Piccinni and, eventually, Rossini and Mozart) had heir works performed in Naples. Pergolesi was one of the most important early composers of opera buffa (comic opera). He both studies and worked in Naples. Piccinni was one of the most popular composers of opera — particularly the Neapolitan opera buffa One of the great opera composers was Rosini (1792-1868). The premières of some Rossini's operas were held inNaples. His work was particularly popular in Naples. The invention of the romantic guitar and the mandolin can be traced to Naples. Naples also has an important tradition of folk ballads. The vitality of the city is relected Neapolitan popular music (late-18th century) Pieces such as "O Sole mio" and "Funiculì Funiculà" have made a lasting impression on Western music. One part of the popular music tradition in Naples is street music, including that of the scugnizzi. Their music is part of the rich musical tradition of Naples. There was even a romantic connection. Traditionally scugnizzi helped the fiancé to serenade his fiancée. It was a tradition in southern Italy that the fiancé sang in front of the home of the fiancés on the night before the marriage. This was one of the more lucrative ways that scugnizzi could earn some money.

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Created: 8:13 PM 7/11/2009
Last updated: 3:35 AM 7/12/2009