Folk it Mediterranean focuses on the musical riches of the Mediterranean. Today: The heart of ancient Mare Nostrum.
In this episode of Folkit!Mediterranean we are visiting the heart of ancient Mare Nostrum. We mainly know rugged, sunny Sardinia because of its cheese. Its folk music is as unruly as its nature. It is influenced by southern Italy (Sicily), the eastern mainland (Naples, Rome, Campania, Calabria), but there are also French influences, such as the polyphonic vocals from Corsica and the airy folk music from northern Italy. From this mishmash, cross over with a popular term, emerged a recognisable own musical identity with characteristic staccato rhythms, key changes in the middle of a song, polyphonic vocals, but also devotional songs and intrinsic ballads. A number of Sardinian musicians surpassed regional fame, with trumpeter Paolo Fresu perhaps the standard-bearer. In addition, we see international names such as Tenores de Bitti, Enzo Favata and Enzo Avitabile. Also worth to mention is Luigi Lai, player of the three-reed Launeddas, the national instrument in Sardinia. But surely the voice of Sardinia is singer Elena Ledda. Destined for opera but chosen for traditional music, she is the island’s true vocal diva. We will quickly run through some of Ledda’s albums, but also pay attention to some albums from the many collaborations with other Sardinian, Italian and international musicians. A sun-drenched episode…
Elena Ledda – Sonos – BIBER 66 391
01 Beranu (trad, Ledda) 4:28
Elena Ledda E Sonos – Incanti – Silex Y225029
02 Muttos (trad, Ledda, Palmas) 3:50
03 Incanti (trad, Ledda, Palmas) 4:42
04 Ballu cantau (trad, Ledda, Palmas) 4:33
05 Preghiera (trad, Ledda) 2:31
Elena Ledda – MareMannu – Biber Records 76691
06 Fizu ‘E Su Mundu (Ledda, Palmas, Lobina) 3:34
Elena Ledda – Amargura – Marocco Music MARM003
07 Canticos (Ledda, Lino Cannavacciuolo, Paolo Del Vecchio) 4:46
Elena Ledda – Cantendi A Deus – S’ard music SARDCD0011
08 Laudatu sempe siat (trad, Ledda) 2:19
Andrea Parodi & Elena Ledda – Rosa Resolza – S’ard music SARDCD0004
09 Inghirios (trad, Parodi, Ledda) 4:14
Paolo Fresu & Elena Ledda – Sonos e’memoria – ACT 9291-2
10 Filugnana (Live) (Ledda, Palmas) 3:45
Riccardo Tesi e.a. – A sud de Bella Chiao – Visage Music VM3035
11 Des de Mallorca a l’alguer (A. Garcia Hernandez, Ledda, Palmas) 6:02
Riccardo Tesi e.a. – Bella Chiao – Visage Music VM3008
12 La lega (Ricordi, Boneschi) 2:37
Enzo Avitabile, Elena Ledda, Paolo Fresu – Lotto infinito – Black Tarantella 88985368391
13 Nisciuno sape (Ledda, Enzo Avitabile) 3:34
Savina Yannatou & Elena Ledda – Tutti Baci – Lyra CD 1095
14 Dillurudai (trad, Ledda) 5:40
