Songo ‘e nato

This song by Mario Abbate was realeased in 1969. Mario Abbate is one of a long line of singers who follow in the tradition of a long line of artists who perform “Canzone Napoletana”, songs sung in the Neopolitan language typically by a male singer. In 1830 at the Festival of Piedigrotta an annual song …

Autumn In Rome

“Autumn in Rome. My heart remembers fountains where children played” so sang Patti Page in the film with the same title. The film is generally forgotten by the song itself became famous over the years, being sung by stars such as Peggy Lee and Tony Bennett. The Autumn is a good time to visit many …

Cavalcata Sarda

Cavalcata Sarda, the festival of beauty is held in the Sardinia city of Sassari, on the second last Sunday in May. Communities from all over the island come together and demonstrate their talents and skills. Sassari is the second largest city on the island of Sardinia and has its origins in the 12th century. In …

Red Poppy Flowers on Monte Cassino

This song was written shortly after the capture of the Monte Cassino, Italy on 18th May 1944. It is a tribute to thousands of soldiers who fell in the shadow of Monte Cassino Monastery. Over 1000 Poles lost their lives in the taking of the Monastery during May 1944. The words in English are: “The …

Summertime in Venice

“Summertime in Venice” was the theme song from the film “Summertime” where Katharine Hepburn travels to Venice on her own. The song was released as a single by a number of artists including her co-star Rossano Brazzi. The version below is by Connie Francis issued 5 years after the film hit the big screen in …

Nostalgia de Milan

Giovanni D’Anzi is the writer of the song that bares the title “Nostalgia de Milan”. He was born in Milan in 1906 and wrote many songs relating to Milan. He is most famous for this song ” O mia bela Madonina“. Written in 1934 as a counter to the songs of the Napolean immigrants and …

We’re all going on a summer holiday.

“We’re going where the sun shines brightlyWe’re going where the sea is blue” So sung Cliff Richard in the film “Summer Holiday” as he drove his No.9 London bus from London to the South of France via Dover and Paris. With the lifting of restrictions on non-essential travel to certain overseas destinations we can all …