La Coppia Sciascia: A Glimpse at the Icons of Traditional Folk Music from Abruzzo

Pasquale and Chiarina Sciascia, known artistically as La Coppia Sciascia, are emblematic figures in the preservation of traditional folk music from Abruzzo. This couple emigrated to Philadelphia, USA, from the Abruzzo region in Italy and began recording their music in the 1920s.

 

Between 1927 and 1933, La Coppia Sciascia recorded 44 songs for prestigious record companies such as Victor, Columbia, and Brunswick. These recordings not only captured the essence of Abruzzese folk music but also helped popularize it in the New World, especially among the Italian immigrant communities in the United States.

 

The style of La Coppia Sciascia is characterized by its vitality and joy, with a strong focus on traditional melodies performed with instruments such as the violin, flute, and sometimes the accordion. The songs of this couple are often lively and theatrical, reflecting Chiarina’s operatic and theatrical background. Among their most prominent themes are adaptations of folk songs that had likely been passed down orally for generations before being recorded for the first time by the Sciascias.

 

The music of La Coppia Sciascia is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Abruzzo and its ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment. Their recordings are a valuable source of study for those who wish to understand Italian musical traditions and their evolution in the diaspora.

Some of the best-known songs of La Coppia Sciascia, taken from their album "Italian Folk Songs From Abruzzo: 1927-1930":

For those interested in exploring more of their music, the album "Italian Folk Songs from Abruzzo: 1927-1930" is an excellent compilation that includes a booklet with lyrics in Italian and English translations, commentary on the songs, recording dates, photos, and a biography of the Sciascias.

 

Some of the best-known songs by La Coppia Sciascia, extracted from their album are:

 

- Alla Fonda Della Conceria

- Lu Pescatore

- Quanno Che Ll'Arvero

- Ninna Nanna

- La Morte De Sisco

- Lu Saltarello

- Lu Maritu Mie

- Fenesta Che Lucive

- Vola Vola Vola

- Canzone Del Ciuccio

 

You can listen to "Italian Folk Songs from Abruzzo: 1927-1930" on SoundCloud at the following link:

(https://www.allmusic.com/album/italian-folk-songs-from-abruzzo-1927-1930-mw0003272685)

 

You can listen to the album online on various free streaming platforms. Here are some options:

 

- **Internet Archive**: The complete album is available for free listening and download on Internet Archive.

- **Gaana**: You can listen to some songs from the album, such as "Alla Fonda Della Conceria," directly on https://gaana.com/song/alla-fonda-della-conceria for free. Note that availability may vary depending on your region.

- **Boomplay**: You can also find information about La Coppia Sciascia and listen to their music on https://www.boomplay.com/artists/8916780 

 

I hope you enjoy the traditional music of Abruzzo with these options. Happy listening!