Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino is a folk group from Italy, active since 1975 and described as the first folklore research group in Puglia. It focuses on pizzica, the traditional dance of Salento, and on related forms of southern Italian folk music. The group develops popular music in a contemporary setting rather than presenting a nostalgic reconstruction of the past, and it works through oral transmission across generations.

Style and repertoire

The group’s repertoire includes pizzica pizzica, Salento love songs, work songs, questua songs, stornelli, serenades, and other folk material. Its performances range from energetic dance pieces to softer songs, alongside ironic songs on modern subjects. A folk dancer appears on stage as part of the show, and the repertoire is adapted to the concert setting and location.

Performing tradition and instrumentation

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino presents its work as a continuation of popular culture passed from father to son and from one generation to the next. Its instrumentation includes tamburello, other traditional percussion, violin, cello, double bass, trumpet, and drums. The group’s concerts suit both open-air squares and theatres.

Recordings and media work

The group has a substantial recording history, including Canti di terra d’Otranto e della Grecìa Salentina, Concerto 1, Come farò a diventare un mito, Concerto 2, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Concerto 3, Sutt’acqua e sutta ientu navegamu, Mamminieddhu zuccaratu, Ni pizzecau lu core, Ballati tutti quanti ballati forte, Canti e pizzichi d’amore, Carataranta, Pizzica pizzica, Alla riva del mare, and Serenata. It also works with television and radio programmes devoted to folk music, appears in films, and has songs used in film soundtracks.

Recognition and touring

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino is recognised nationally and internationally for its skill, commitment, and experience. It performs at major folk festivals in Italy and abroad, with appearances in Greece, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, and the United States.