Composer

:

Italian Anonymous

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

5:05

Pizzica taranta is a traditional Italian folk dance that originated in the Salento region of southern Italy. The dance is accompanied by a specific type of music that is also known as pizzica taranta. The music is characterized by a fast tempo and a distinctive rhythm that is said to be reminiscent of the sound of a spider running across a tambourine. The origins of pizzica taranta can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was believed that the bite of a tarantula spider could cause a condition known as tarantism. This condition was characterized by a frenzied state of mind and body, and it was believed that the only cure was to dance to the music of the pizzica taranta. The music of the pizzica taranta is typically played on traditional instruments such as the tambourine, accordion, and violin. The dance itself is characterized by a series of fast, spinning movements that are said to be reminiscent of the movements of a spider. The pizzica taranta is typically performed in a series of movements, each of which is accompanied by a specific piece of music. The first movement is known as the "pizzica di taranta," and it is characterized by a fast, frenzied rhythm that is said to be reminiscent of the sound of a spider running across a tambourine. The second movement is known as the "pizzica di San Vito," and it is characterized by a slower, more melodic rhythm that is said to be reminiscent of the sound of a spider crawling across a violin. The third movement is known as the "pizzica di San Paolo," and it is characterized by a faster, more frenzied rhythm that is said to be reminiscent of the sound of a spider running across an accordion. The pizzica taranta is typically performed in a group setting, with dancers forming a circle around the musicians. The dance is often accompanied by singing, and it is said that the lyrics of the songs often contain references to the tarantula spider and its bite. The pizzica taranta has been performed for centuries in the Salento region of southern Italy, and it remains a popular form of folk music and dance to this day. The dance has also gained popularity outside of Italy, with many people around the world learning to perform the traditional movements and music of the pizzica taranta.

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