Sunday, April 19, 2009

Musical Matera

It seems that wherever I wander in Matera, I hear music.

In some parts of town it is the songs of the birds that thrive in the ravines and church towers. Chirpy, rambunctious melodies from small flocks conversing among themselves, which faintly mimics the musical conversations I overhear in Italian, itself a sing-songy language.

Walking anywhere in the vicinity of Piazza del Sedile brings strains that are more practiced and perfected. One day it is from violins, another from flutes. Sometimes it is a more orchestrated arrangement of blending instruments forming a beautiful, classical refrain. Once in a while we hear a wrong note, or scales being practiced as warm-up. The Convervatory of Music has its seat in the Piazza del Sedile, and the surrounding neighborhood is pleasantly serenaded daily.

I have heard Jazz emitting from doorways and windows. I read somewhere that this classic American musical style has long been loved in Matera, and it shows. Even the flow of the passeggiata seems to be carried out to unheard yet very present strains of a soundtrack by Henry Mancini.

Then there are the churches. The bells don't toll, they chime. Now and then we hear the tinny recorded bells ringing out the Ave Maria, but usually it is the true bells sounding in a very musical fashion. Today, walking to the car, we passed the church of San Pietro Caveoso, on the astounding outcropping of rock, the church itself built up of heavy stones and blending into the natural formations. Out of the door wafted a heavenly choir of synchronated voices, raising up hymnal praises.

Matera may well be the city of stone, but it is also the city of music.

9 comments:

muthu said...

I envy you.....

I have always wanted to visit europe.... esp Italy and france and the way you put the music played was warm and hearty....

cheers...... :)

Saretta said...

You have an attentive ear! I've never noticed all that music in Matera!

carol in dc said...

Ohhhhh, the Music Conservatory right in the piazza.........che bella. Two rainy autumn days in Matera didn't provide any such musical treats for us. Guess we'll have to plan for a longer springtime stay next time.
Got fotos?
What's the deal with your apartment?

janie said...

How beautiful to live amidst such wonder.

Valerie said...

Muthu - Thanks...hope you get to visit soon!

Saretta - Really? Ma come mai? We have yet to pass through Piazza del Sedile and *not* hear music wafting from the school.

Carol - It is a nice background music while you take a cappuccino or a pizza! The nicer weather does mean open windows, the easier to hear from. Ah, the apartment...stay tuned!

Janie - We do love Matera. Hope you and John can visit sometime.

carol in dc said...

OMG, I'm so impressed.....Look what you did......translated *literally* IN REVERSE...
"......*TAKE* a cappuccino or a pizza". You're totally imprinted. Complimenti!!!!

Valerie said...

Carol - Ha! I typed in a rush, I didn't even notice I did that! :)

South of Rome said...

We are trying to make it to Matera for a long weekend towards the end of May. I can't believe we haven't been yet and that our time is almost up!! This post makes me want to jump in the car and go NOW!

Valerie said...

Karen - You really need to get here! It is such an amazing place...and of course, you will love the food as much as the architecture!