Since this week started out with la Festa di San Gennaro (The Feast & Celebration of Saint Gennaro), patron saint of Napoli aka Naples, what better song for this installment of Musica del Mercoledì (Music Wednesday) than the traditional canzone napoletana (Neapolitan song) “Santa Lucia.”
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Borgo Santo Lucia, Baia di Napoli, in earlier days
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Dating back to 1849 and originally titled “Barcarolla,” the song became “Santa Lucia” when it was the first Neapolitan song to be translated into Italian during il Risorgimento (the political and social movement that gathered different states of the Italian peninsula into the single state of Italy).
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Borgo Santo Lucia, Baia di Napoli, today
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The lyrics of “Santa Lucia,” which celebrate Borgo Santa Lucia, the picturesque waterfront district in the Bay of Naples, are the invitation of a boatman to take a turn in his boat, to better enjoy the cool of the evening.
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“Santa Lucia” has been covered by many artists over the years, but the 1916 recording by Enrico Caruso, the great Neapolitan opera singer, is by many considered the definitive 20th century recording of the song. Other singers who’ve lent their voci (voices) to “Santa Lucia” include, Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti, and even Elvis!
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Digitally remastered Enrico Caruso recording from 1916. Video also features remastered historical film clips of Caruso.
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Elvis sings “Santa Lucia.” Video features scenes of beautiful Borgo Santa Lucia.
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Luciano Pavarrotti sings Santa Lucia.
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How about you?
Do you have a favorite canzone napoletana? Which of these three versions of “Santa Lucia” do you like best? Is there another one you like more?
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I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below!
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More info on Santa Lucia here.
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If I remember cocerrtly, Santa Lucia wears the white of the Saints and the red of the martyrs. Remembering that helps maintain the depth of the story.The lowly manger, the flight into Egypt, and the gifts from the magi help me remember the depths and heights of Jesus ministry.Thanks for reminding me to think more deeply.Blessings!