An amusing quip Frank Zappa used to chime during his concerts as he introduced his band members. Frank, an Italian himself, always seemed to have an inordinate amount of Italians in his band. Zappa in Italian means hoe. As in the tool one uses to turn soil. I would imagine his family ancestors were farmers perhaps.
Italians were major contributors to music during the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. One exceptional Italian, Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840 of Genoa), was renowned for his virtuosic violin playing. Lovingly known as "The Devil's Son" or "The Witches Brat" for his supernatural abilities. Nicolo also had a reputation for being a womanizer and a gambler. Below is one of his best known pieces showing off his talents (interpreted of course). Paganini left his mark as one of the pillars of modern violin techniques. Of note is his use of polyphony and unconventional bowing techniques. Blasphemous!
Caprice #24 in A Minor
5th Violin Concerto; Movement 3, Rondo-Andantino Quasi Allegretto
You can follow the violin solo along with the sheet music. ;@)
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