This Evening I
had a unique experience enclosed in cocoon of music and song. Angelo, Dora and
son Rino Marchese entertained me in a way that reminded me of being in the
Court of Louis XIV of France. Their captivating music coming from the
repertoire of Naples, Carosone, Elvis Presley, was a feast of sound, rhythm and
vocal. Reno has incredible tempo along his father's mastery of the accordion. I
visualized the approval of the autocratic ruler demanding entertainment of the
highest quality. I didn't have to ask... The songs just kept on coming as if
coming out of deep musical veins.
An experience,
this one, that I want to replicate for audiences in my Teatro Padula. I want to
create an atmosphere that is quintessential for an appreciation of Italian
music that spans a variety of genres: from classical Neapolitan to the unique
genius of Renato Carosone. The Original Trio Lucano, consisting of these three
family members, spanning two generations, is an example of the wonderful
musical heritage coming out of the Region of Basilicata, Italy. The people from
this Region are known as Lucani: from the other ancient name of Lucania to
describe the people who lived here originally from Pre-Roman times. These
people were never fully conquered by the Romans, although there are ancient
Roman Citadels in Basilicata that tourists can still visit today.
The musical
tradition of the Lucani developed over time within many well-known Paesi. These
provided migration fodder after the Unification of Italy and the failure of the
new National Government to create an economy that could sustain its people in
Sud Italia. Viggiano, the town of Angelo and Dora, provided thousands of
migrants to the Americas, other parts of the world and to Australia. The first
Street musicians from Viggiano have been playing in Melbourne from after the
Victorian Gold Rushes, but especially more prominently since the 1880's. This
legacy of street music performers has continued over the last four decades in
Melbourne. I Posteggiatori, a type of Wandering Minstrels, headed by Angelo
Marchese over the years have seen a few faithful musicians and singers play
their brand of entertaining Italian music. They have been seen at outdoor and
indoor events in the Italian and in the general Australian Community’s events.
No wonder then
that I feel so elated to be working in these very confined quarters for the
filming and recording of the wonderful sounds of the Trio Lucano. I encouraged
them all to also sing... Even though tonight it is the turn of Rino
Marchese to showcase his talents for the cameras. I am hoping that this Series
of Programs will be one of my highlights of this year's productions of
TomPadulaTV. So let me now concentrate on directing the programme that has
music, song and presentations with reflections on the working relationship of
this group of ItaloAustralian artists from Basilicata and Melbourne!
Divertitevi...just a reminder that this is Community Television. Productions of this type could reach
higher levels of technical standards with greater resources and more help. We
do what we can with what we have... But we do this with heart whilst enjoying
this evening at the home of Angelo, Dora and Reno. In the middle of this cold
Melbourne winter evening, inside there is a warm feeling of achievement and
enjoyment. Can't ask for more!!
