Omerta, Onuri e Sangu...



...La Musica Della Mafia Vol.II


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It began as a journalist project in 1999, when the Calabrian photographer Francesco Sbano, who lives in Germany, began research in Calabria on the "Canto di Malavita” - songs of a life of crime - for the news Magazine Der Spiegel. At this time no one imagined that this would result in the production of a CD-trilogy, which has now been completed with the release of Volume Three, "Le Canzoni Della Onorata Società”.

The perhaps most intriguing aspect of this cultural phenomenon is the delivery of such equally poetic and brutal lyrics, portraying La N’ndrangheta, the Calabrian Mafia, in the supposedly harmless genre of the folk song. Its fascination lies within the manner in which these songs of a life of crime, with all of its codes, symbols and rules, are expressed in a virtually stereotype Italian mix of indisputable style and moving pathos.

However, since Hollywood’s glorification of the Mafia via the contrivance of an entire film genre dedicated to the Italian version of organized crime, the reality of its victims of violence and tyranny has been more or less banished from the public’s awareness. Films such as The Godfather gloss over this exclusion with delusive, but more profitable heroes.

The content of the songs sheds light on the fact that the Mafiosi are not the engrossed potentates portrayed in films, but a by all means grounded community of values, organized in the strict discipline of secrecy, honor and blood. The only vital difference from its prevalent Christian counterpart lies in the deadly consequences with which its laws are implemented.

The CD trilogy "La Musica della Mafia” gives credence to this notion. As a highly intriguing document of contemporary history, the music has awakened diverse academic interest. The question of its authenticity remains fascinating not only for musicologists, cultural scientists, historians, criminologists or specialists in Italian language and culture, but also for those dealing with the development of so-called parallel societies. Particularly in the establishment of concepts such as all-embracing honor, the Mafia subject is a highly contemporary reference. Murder for the sake of honor is not an exclusively Italian phenomenon; it is a typical indicator for any society of double moral standards.

http://www.malavita.com/news_en.html

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The album 'Omertà, Onuri e Sangu', begins with the sound of the bells of the monastery of Polsi, a mythical place in the jagged mountains of Aspromonte, which have always been the hideout of brigands and fugitives of the ‘Ndrangheta. Even today, thousands of Calabrese journey to Polsi in September to celebrate the Madonna della Montagna – on the same spot where the secret meetings of the ‘Ndrangheta were held. Among the recordings on the CDs are numerous prison songs, the above mentioned “Canti di Carcerato”. The two historic recordings, “Tira la pinna” and “A casanza” are from the prison of Cosenza. The lyrics of the first song go back to an old book on the Calabrian brigands. Retribution is a further important theme of the songs, for example in “Ninna nanna malandrineddu”. At first, one hears the innocent song of a mother to her son. But soon the bloodcurdling purpose of her words becomes clear: “You must grow big and strong / You must grow quickly. / ... / Little son, you must avenge your father”.

Listening to this music makes many elderly Southern Italians wistfully relive memories of earlier times, and it cannot be denied that many romanticize a past that was indeed violent. In speaking of this music’s significance to the regional population, it is important to point out that it has an additional function for a particular group of listeners. It serves many young Mafiosi as a “stimulant”. The values and the message communicated through the music – most importantly the concept of obtaining honor and respect with criminal exploits – are put forth as validation for the crimes they commit. This is a danger embodied in the “Musica della Mafia” that should not remain unmentioned.

http://www.malavita.com/d...ik_en.html
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The real thug life, courtesy of southern Italian folk musicians
How o.g. can you be? "La Musica," a collection of folk songs from the Calabria region of southern Italy, all paeans to the Mafia and its culture of murder and secrecy, is more darkly romantic than Nine Inch Nails and more death-obsessed than the ancient Egyptians. The songs, played with some combination of accordion, guitars, mandolin, hand percussion and unfailingly mournful vocal, are mostly traditional, and La Musica compiles both archival and contemporary recordings of them. The lyrics are gruesome ("My knife it knows its art so well" is one of the more poetic bits), and the melodies, such as that of F. Cimbalo's "Cu Sgarra, Paga (Who Fails, Pays)," only occasionally brighten into major chords.

The most striking thing about these tunes, which ostensibly glorify the bad guys, is their suffocating sorrowful tone. "U Lupu d'Asprumunti (The Wolves of Aspromonte)" is particularly amazing, a gentle two-step of acoustic guitars and Franco Caruso's baleful, caustic wail - instrumentally, it bears a resemblance to Mexican norteña music. La Musica della Mafia is both damned and beautiful, although it's probably not an exeptional collection of Calabrian folk music. It is a window into the myths of the Mob, so it's vicariously fascinating, especially if you're the sort who gawks at highway accidents. But don't get too close. That's what Fred Scotti, the howling, sandpaper-raw singer heard here on the tortured, martial "Canto di Carcerato (Incarceration)," did. And when he got too friendly with a Mafia man's gal, he was shot dead for it.

Rolling Stone Magazine, Sept 5th 2002
http://www.malavita.com/presse_en.html
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Borrowed this from a friend.
Although he gave me an overview of what the material was about, I purposely did not read any details from the accompanying booklet before listening to the disc on the way home.
It sounds like, what I would describe, as simply mournful Italian folk music. Since it's sung in Italian, I had no clue what the vocalists were specifically singing.

Here are some of the English translations...

There is no forgiveness, and there is no mercy
When a man forgets his duties to the society
There are two things in the world that are more important than everything else
The love of a woman and the heart of an outlaw

~Nun C'e Pirdunu (There Is No Forgiveness)


I smell the stench of treason
Whoever sends me to jail cannot hope for mercy
Screaming "Help! Help!" won't do you any good
Since a cadaver can never be forgiven

~U Mastru Di Lu Sonu (The Master of Music)


Behind the bars of my dark cell, I sing this grievous song
With a sorrowful heart and great thirst
With tears that are flowing forth like a stream

~Arretu I Sbarri (Behind the Bars)


Look at how beautiful my son is. He looks just like his father
His eyes are those of an outlaw
His heart as pure as his mother's. Listen carefully to what I have to say
Dearest son, you've been born an orphan. They murdered your father
With betrayal and malice. You must grow up, you must grow up quickly
And become skilled at using weapons and knives
You must preserve your family's honour. Son you must avenge your father's murder!
Please forgive me for these words. But I am at an utter loss
Kill the hatred that I carry in my heart. Son you must avenge your father's murder!
And now, sleep well, go to sleep

~Ninna Nanna Malandrineddu (no title translation)

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Strange but simultaneously beautiful.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

There's Mexican Bandera music too.

That sounds depressing....not sure I could get into as 'music for enjoyment', per se....

But as a cultural study, it would be interesting.....I cannot imagine I will purchase, though, but I may try to find a couple of clips just to hear what it is like.....

"A very odd concept album" sounds like a good description....

Thanks,

cubic61052 said:

The music works on its own if you don't know exactly what they're singing about.
Reading the lyrics does put a downer on things. Especially the ones sung by women (like the last example).


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

Considering the drama, kinda simpatico to opera, but less sophisticated and pretentious....

I'll check it out....thanks for the introduction....you know I enjoy listening to and studying out-of-the-box music....

cubic61052 said:

I know what you mean. Nothing like expansion.
I've been trying to push myself out of my musical comfort zone lately.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

Shapeshifter said:

Is that the Mexican equivalent?


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

theAudience said:

If you need some music to explore, let me know.....I'm always good for the musically diverse CDs.....

theAudience said:

Yeah, pretty bloodthirsty stuff it is too - makes gangsta rappers come over like poodles in cotton wool.

Shapeshifter said:

Very funny.

I'll have to check into it. Thanks.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

theAudience, thanks for exposing this!

Great reading!

MikeMatronik said:

You're welcome Mike.

Interesting history & music.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

theAudience said: