CONCERT
9pm at Argotti Gardens, Floriana (map)
Two virtuoso guitarists, Francesco Loccisano and Marcello De Carolis, came to meet and collaborate through their shared fascination for the chitarra battente, a traditional Southern Italian instrument with baroque roots.
Usually referred to as “strumming guitar”, the chitarra battente primarily evolved as an accompanying instrument providing the rhythm for communal dances like tarantella and pizzica.
With dedication the accomplished duo developed a repertoire to which this instrument resonates deeply; an exchange of musical ideas and musical dialogues with the aim of elevating of the chitarra battente to the forefront of musical appreciation. Their dynamic interplay on a repertoire of original compositions skillfully showcases the new-found potential of this venerable instrument to captivate new audiences.
Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible
WORKSHOP
12:30pm at The Splendid, Strait Street (map)
The chitarra battente, or “beating guitar”, is an Italian folk guitar, bearing closer resemblance to instruments like the lute or mandolin. Featuring five double strings, it is crafted in cities such as Venice, Bergamo, and Naples, serving as a cornerstone in the traditional music of southern Italian regions like Calabria and Basilicata. Still crafted by family businesses in these regions, the chitarra battente derives its name from a distinctive playing technique where strings are struck together with the body, producing a percussive effect. The instrument is traditionally used as accompaniment, so a duo is quite unprecedented. Based on their original repertoire, mostly inspired by different musical traditions of the area, Loccisano & De Carolis explain how the instrument is a celebration of ancient music and an exploration of the future sonic possibilities.
- This workshop is open to all levels
- This workshop will be conducted in English
- A person from Ritmu Roots Festival will contact you with a link for payment after you register (EUR10)
- This venue is not wheelchair accessible
