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Arm singing is an Italian musical and poetic tradition that has its roots in the Middle Ages.
This form of artistic expression, also known as "improvised singing", protagonists the poet-curtain which, accompanied by a musical instrument such as the Ciaramella or the Ordance, creates verses and melodies spontaneously. In this article I will try to explore the bucolic and epic-corporal themes of the arm singing, the metric precision used in its composition, the continuity of the concatenated verses and the competitive aspect of the singing races.
Arm singing represents a unique epic-pastoral harmony in the Italian tradition, which deserves to be deepened and preserved.
The bucolic and epic-cavallecyles themes of the arm in the arm
The bucolic and epic-cavallerets themes are central in arm singing, an Italian musical and poetic tradition. This kind of singing is distinguished by its ability to narrate epic and pastoral stories through the use of the Cantanta voice and the melody. The bucolic themes, which recall rural life and nature, are often represented through the image of the shepherd and his loving events. At the same time, the epic-corporal themes are inspired by the tradition of medieval troubadours and tell of heroic companies and galand adventures. This combination of different themes creates an atmosphere full of contrasts, which allows singers to express a wide range of emotions and feelings. The arm singing thus becomes a powerful tool to transmit cultural and social values, keeping alive the Italian tradition of epic-pastoral.
Metric precision in arm singing: from the eighth rhyme to triplet
Metric precision in arm singing is a fundamental element for the correct execution of this Italian poetic tradition. From the transition from the eighth rhyme to triplet, you can observe an evolution in the metric structure used. The eighth rhyme , with its Abababcc scheme, requires great ability to maintain a constant rhythm and a precise scan of the rhymes. The triplet, however, with its ABA BCB CDC scheme, offers greater expressive possibilities and allows you to create greater fluidity in the flow of the text. Metric precision in arm singing does not only concern the correct scan of rhymes, but also the accentuation of the words and the cadence of the sentences. This requires particular attention from the singer, who must be able to maintain a balance between the musicality of the verse and the meaning of the text. In addition, metric precision contributes to creating a hypnotic effect in the listener, emotionally involving it in the epic-pastoral narrative of the arm singing.
Singing races: a competitive tradition
The arm singing competitions represent a competitive tradition that has deep roots in Italian culture. These singing-poetic competitions show off the skills of the singers, who challenge each other by performing improvised epic-pastoral songs.
The competition takes place in a lively and engaging environment, with an enthusiastic audience that supports its favorites. Participants demonstrate their ability in singing improvising rhymes on the basis of data issues or suggested by the public.
The race is judged by a jury of experts that evaluates metric precision, creativity and expressiveness of the singers. This competitive tradition not only preserves and celebrates Italian cultural heritage, but also encourages healthy competition and the development of individual artistic skills.
Arm singing races are a moment of celebration and artistic excellence that is passionate about both the participants and the spectators.
The singer image of humility and sensitivity
The singer must have knowledge of the poetic metric, good singing skills and unconventional intonation. The figure of the singer is also that of a genuine person, full of spirit and sensitive, capable of perceiving, absorbing and instantly elaborating the sensations, moods and feelings of his and the people around him.
He must know how to grasp the ideas of life with irony to elaborate them in a sarcastic and cheerful or sentimental, melancholy or dreamy way. All in that short instant who passes from the last verse sung by his opponent at the beginning of the following eighth.
Poetry by memory was born from the soul, from simplicity and fantasy and is practicable to all ages and with any experience, provided that it is known how to feel, express and transmit.
But what will be the future of this tradition of great cultural value? How can we guarantee that arm singing continues to fascinate the new generations? These are questions that deserve further reflections and actions to preserve and enhance this Italian cultural heritage.
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