accidently deleted this copy - need it from Mark once more…

Caro mio ben by Tommaso Giordani

Performed by Johnnie Felder

Giordani was an early 19th century composer from Naples.  This beautiful song is a standard for any aspiring young opera singer.

Danza, danza fanciulla gentile by Francesco Durante

Performed by Amber Rose

Durante was a 17th century composer from Frattamaggiore north of Naples. This classic is also a standard for aspiring young opera singers to master.

Quando m’en vo (Musetta’s Waltz) from La bohéme by GiacomoPuccini

Performed by Corey Lovelace

Puccini was born in Lucca in Tuscany.  Nestled between Pisa and Florence, Lucca was an important outpost of the early Roman Empire, serving as northern headquarters for Julius Ceasar’s conquest of Gaul.

Bella Ciao by Anonymous

Performed by Giovanni Grimaudo

The song Bella Cio is the song of the Italian resistance, and the partisans who fought against Mussolini’s fascist dictatorship and the occupation by Hitler’s Nazi soldiers. It is the song of April 25th, the day when Italy celebrates the liberation from Nazi fascism.

Non dimenticar by Gino Redi, Michele Galdieri and Shelley Dobbins 

Performed by Johnathan White

Released in 1962 on Dino, Italian Love songs by Dean Martin, Non dimenticar became an instant pop hit.

Che gelida manina from La bohéme by Giacomo Puccini

Performed by Johnnie Felder

In Act I of Puccini’s popular opera, the poet Rodolfo tells the beautiful seamstress Mimi of his life and his passion for poetry.  It is love at first sight.

(Volare) Nel blu, dipinto di blu by Domenico Modugno

Performed by Joey Santo

Considered the father of Italian pop, Modugno was born in Polignano on the Sea in Pugliain 1928, the southeast Italy. He recorded more than 200 songs and appeared in 38 films. 

Stridono lassu’ from Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo

Performed by Corey Lovelace

Leoncavallo was born in Chiaia, Naples in the mid 19th century. A brilliant writer and composer, he studied at the Conservatory of Saint Peter in Naples, continuing his studies in Bologna.  His most famous work, Pagliacci is often paired with Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana – two exceptional examples of late 19th century Verismo opera.

Una furtiva lagrima from L’Elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) by Gaetano Donizetti

Performed by Johnathan White

Donizetti was a prolific composer, creating more than 70 operas in his illustrious career.  He played a significant role in the life of his younger colleague, Giuseppe Verdi.  Born in the Lombardy town of Bergamo (north of Milan), his most famous operas are Lucia di Lammermoor, The Daughter of the Regiment and The Elixir of Love.

Il bacio by Luigi Arditi

Performed by Amber Rose

Hailing from the beautiful island of Sardenia, Arditi was a prolific violinist, composer and conductor of opera.  His delightful “Vocal Waltz” Il bacio (The Kiss) was dedicated to the soprano Marietta Piccolomini, who was famous for her portrayal of Violetta in La traviata.

La donna é mobile from Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi

Performed by Giovanni Grimaudo

“Women are fickle” is often how this title is translated.  But to the licentious Duke of Mantua, the title is more appropriately “Women are Interchangeable” or perhaps “Expendable”.  Verdi knew this aria would be an immediate hit. He waited to the final rehearsal to have it sung, barring anyone from attending, and making everyone wait for the 1851 premiere of his now famous opera.

Marechiare by Francesco Paolo Tosti

Performed by Johnathan White

Marechiare is one of the most celebrated Romances composed by the Abruzzese composer Tosti. Principally a composer of songs, his career spanned the greatest period of Italian opera – from the mid-1850’s until his death in 1916.  His association with the greatest composers (Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni) made him, and his songs, a staple of Italian vocal music.

Caro nome from Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi

Performed by Amber Rose

The profligate Duke of Mantua (see La donna é mobile) has seduced the young girl, and daughter of his court jester, Rigoletto, by disguising himself as a poor student under the name Gualtier Maldè. Completely smitten, Gilda sings of this new emotion – Love for the charming student.

That’s Amore by Harry Warren and Jack Brooks

Performed by Joey Santo

The 1953 hit song became the signature song for Dean Martin. It can be heard in the movies Rear Window, Moonstruck, Grumpier Old Men, Stuart Little, Enchanged, and The Garfield Movie.

Vaga luna, che inargenti by Vincenzo Bellini

Performed by Corey Lovelace

Vaga luna is an 1827 concert aria by the Sicilian composer Bellini. Considered the third of the early 19th century Italian composers Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini, he is known today for his magnificent operas Norma, I puritani (The Puritans), and La sonnambula (The Sleepwalker).  Both the theater and cathedral in his hometown of Catania are named after him.

Funiculi Funicula by Luigi Denza and Giuseppe Turco

Performed by Giovanni Grimaudo

Inspired by the 1879 debut of the cable car on Mount Vesuvius (funicolare del Vesuvio), this iconic Italian song was an instant hit and has remained a favorite for movies of all types.

O sole mio by Eduardo di Capua and Giovanni Capurro

Performed by Johnathan White

The 1898 Neapolitan song is known across the world. The composer Capua was born, raised and educated at the famous Conservatory in Naples, perhaps the leading music conservatory second only to the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan.  A prolific writer of songs, he paid homage to the great singing tradition of his hometown – a singing tradition that dates back to the days of the Roman Emperor Nero.

Nessun dorma from Turandot by Puccini

Performed by Johnnie Felder

Puccini’s final opera is anchored in the minds and hearts of the public by this luscious aria, the popularity of which was crystalized by Luciano Pavarotti.  In the final act, the Unknown Prince declares that no one will learn his name, even though the princess Turandot has commanded that all of Peking must stay awake (Nessun dorma) to discover the identity of the Prince. Ultimately, love wins the day.