Name: Francesca Campo
Main Subject: Master Classic Harp
Name of Research Supervisor: Andrew Wright
Title of Research: L'eco dal popolo: Exploring 19th-Century Southern Italian Musical Tradition
Research Question: How can music and musical tradition in Sicily be used nowadays to present the identity of the Sicilian people through a harp concert?
Summary of the Results of the Research:
Sicily, a land shaped by diverse influences due to its geographical position, has a rich but often overlooked musical tradition. This research explores the role of the harp in narrating the cultural and musical identity of Southern Italy in the 19th century. Through historical analysis and experimental methods, I have revived forgotten harp works and transcribed compositions originally written for other instruments or orchestras, giving a voice to composers who expressed the emotions and struggles of their time.
Structured as a journey with defined stages, the research begins with an exploration of the historical context and the "Hymn of Sicily," which lays the foundation for understanding the island's musical heritage. The route then leads to the evocative "Sicilian Vespers," highlighting the region’s strong sense of identity. The journey continues in Naples, the historical capital, where urban musical dynamics come to the forefront. In Palermo, the intricate interplay between the musical traditions of Naples and Sicily is explored, revealing the cross-cultural influences that shaped the region. Finally, Sikelia concludes the journey by showing how something new can be created from past inspirations, demonstrating how music helps express the cultural richness of this land.
The results highlight how music—particularly through the harp—serves as a powerful means of preserving heritage and defining cultural identity. The research not only revives the voices of the past but also demonstrates the ongoing relevance of tradition in contemporary music, culminating in a unique composition born from the research's development and collaboration with the Composition Department of Palermo.
Biography:
Francesca Campo is a harpist and music researcher who blends tradition and innovation, exploring the musical roots of Sicily, her homeland. Born to Castelvetranese parents and raised in Verona, she has always navigated between Northern and Southern identities, developing a deep connection with Sicilian culture. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Harp in Italy, she continued her studies at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. She is a harpist who blends tradition and innovation, exploring the musical roots of Sicily, her homeland. Her research focuses on 19th-century Southern Italian folk music, rediscovering forgotten composers and highlighting music as a powerful expression of identity and culture.
