New Book/DVD Rhythm is the Cure Southern Italian Tambourine Featuring Alessandra Belloni from MelBay Publishing Available from AlessandraBelloni.com $25  + shipping

About the Book      

This book will introduce the reader to the rich tambourine and folk dance tradition of Southern Italy, the “Tarantella,” an ancient ritual performed to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.  Students will learn the techniques of Tarantella tambourine playing, and will come to understand the truly healing and stress relieving effect of these rhythms and dance, as well as learn about the history of this ancient tradition. This book is the first of its kind, reflecting 25 years of unique field research and performance, offering valuable insight and instruction to both the professional and the novice, with a special emphasis on women and their historic relation to the tambourine and drumming. 

The book is be divided into six lessons, and will guide the student through the regional and historical traditions of the Tarantella.  Lessons will cover basic tambourine techniques, including relaxation of the wrists and hands to allow speed and endurance, as well as advanced brush techniques and an introduction to Brazilian rhythms.  Regional styles and variations of the Tarantella will include: Tarantella (fast, obsessive 6/8), Pizzica Tarantata(12/8 with varied accents), Tammorriata (rhythm in 4/4 played in honor of the Black Madonna), Tarantella di San Rocco (tambourine duo with snare drum), and Tarantella alla Montemaranese (smaller tambourines and unusual syncopation on the 6/8).  The book includes photos from the author’s field research, notations of each rhythm and pattern by master percussionist Gordon Gottlieb (NY Philharmonic, Julliard), regional history and anecdote as they relate to unique style and tradition, and instructional technique for the varying styles of performance.
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