L'eco dal popolo

Francesca Campo

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.

Acknowledgments

At the end of this research, I would like to dedicate few words of sincere gratitude to those who made this journey possible.

A special thank you goes to my harp teacher, Nazarena Recchia, who believed in me from the very beginning of my journey with the instrument. She supported me during difficult times, proving to be not only a harp teacher but also a fundamental guide in my artistic and personal growth.

I would also like to thank Ernestine Stoop and Sylvain Blassel: without them, this research would never have found the strength to take shape. I arrived here as a bud, and with patience, they helped me blossom, allowing me to discover new artistic and professional perspectives.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to all my harp colleagues and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I had finally found my artistic home. The conservatory environment allowed me to grow not only as a musician, but as an individual, surrounded by like-minded people who share the same passion for music. It's rare to find a place where you feel so understood and where your ambitions are nurtured with such care and dedication. For the first time I truly felt like I was in the right place, with the right people, and it was a valuable experience that I will carry with me throughout my career.

A deep thank you goes to my mother, who believed in my abilities when no one else did. From the moment I told her, with wide and dreamy eyes, that I wanted to play the harp, she had already seen a future for me that I have only now been able to realize. I hope, in my small way, I have brought to life a dream that was unjustly taken from her.

I also thank my father, who has always given me strength with his hugs during hard moments and who, by his example, showed me what kind of person I want to become. I also say a big "thank you" to my brother, a lifelong friend, who has always believed in me and has always known how to advise me when I needed it and be a shoulder to lean on when that was the only thing that could help me, better than anyone else he will understand the motivation of this research. A special thought goes to my family and my grandparents in Sicily, who reminded me of my roots and my identity when I felt lost.

I would like to thank my mother-in-law for her invaluable support in advising me on what suited me best and made me feel most comfortable on every stage.

I thank my dear friend Giulio, a friend beside me in the worst moments, but also in the best ones.

Finally, I want to dedicate a heartfelt thanks to two people who have played a central role in this journey. To my husband, who supported me in bringing these projects to life, not only with his encouragement but also with his concrete help. I dedicate this thesis to you because part of it belongs to you too. And at the end, to my grandfather, who passed away shortly before the start of this journey but remained a constant source of inspiration during these two years. I hope that wherever you are, you can still listen to my music, with your eyes closed, sitting on a couch.

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Francesca Campo - L'eco dal popolo - 2025

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