Italian Music & Opera

Italian music is celebrated in the festivals of the regions, in concert halls and theatres and at educational institutions including conservatories and universities. The piano and the modern system of musical notation were developed in Italy and the country is home to talented traditional singers like Domenico Modugno to modern international stars including Laura Pausini.

Traditional Italian music has not lost its charm in the modern culture that favors rock 'n' roll. But this musical influence altered Italian song and created young stars out of Adriano Celentano and Rita Pavone. Lucio Battisti's musical blend of American R&B with Italian melodic style was a first for the country. More common, was a growing list of singers who could also write songs: Artists such as Luigi Tenco and Bruno Lauzi are examples. Throughout musical history, Italy has also produced Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Verdi, Puccini and Bellini.

Song actually began in Italy with the invention of melodrama. Italian musical theater dates back to the court of the Medici in Florence for the wedding of Maria de' Medici to Henry IV of France. Operatic theater did not begin in Venice until 1637. To resolve the issue of high costs, the same show was done many times for the public, which led to the entertainment option of going to theater to take in an opera. Operatic themes of the time were based on classical mythology and poems of chivalry. Dynamic architectural structures were built to house these theatrical performances and today offer amazing environments to experience live opera. Some world-famous examples include La Scala in Milan and The Fenice Theatre of Venice. Italian opera greats include Luciano Pavarotti, Mirella Freni and Renata Scotto. Talented newcomers include Michele Pertusi and Barbara Frittoli.

For more information on Italian Music and Opera, please see the following:

Teatro Alla Scalla

Ticket on Line

The Italian Music Homepage