Bitten by Bennato's beat
MANILA, Philippines - Each ethnology has a resounding rhythm. Character and identity can be derived from their distinct rhythmic beat.
This reverberated clearly during the Italian National Day last June 2. The Italian Embassy in Manila, led by Ambassador Luca Fornari in partnership with Rustan’s led by its president Nedy Tantoco, marked 150 years of unification with a pulsating energy that resonated among everyone in attendance. Eugenio Bennato and his troupe made sure of this through their “Taranta Power” concert held at the Fashion Walk at Greenbelt 5 in Makati City. Indeed, this was a unique way to share their culture and foster a deeper awareness of their rich musicality as a people.
Tantalizing Taranta
Bennato is regarded as the “modern father of Tarantella,” which is one of Italy’s widely recognized traditional musical forms. “This ancient dance ritual emanated from the south of Italy. Legend has it that the bite of a tarantula could be cured by frenzied dancing accompanied by an upbeat tempo that lasts for three to five hours,” Bennato discloses.
Committed to revive this ethnic beat, he founded “Taranta Power” — a movement that is creating a renewed interest in this folk tradition. He creatively fuses myth, history and philosophy by giving it a contemporary musical flair. “It is my hope to impart to the younger generation to be more appreciative of their roots. Music is a very important thing, it has a power that can’t be expressed in words,” relates Bennato.
A Rhythmic Linkage
According to Emanuela Adesini, cultural attache of the Italian Embassy, “We have been trying for years to invite Mr. Bennato here.” Mission accomplished...finally. Adesini who is a self-confessed fan of the musician adds, “We are excited to impart to the Filipino audience a different Italian flavor.”
This modern approach to an ancient beat was shared through a workshop conducted at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Students from nearby schools were invited to participate in this special affair. “Mr. Bennato and his musicians began by playing their songs. Then they taught the audience the basics — pacing, beat, steps. Soon after, the Italian musicians and the Filipino students were not only jamming but were dancing throughout the whole rhythmic experience,” discloses Irene Obligacion Rada, director for public relations and linkages division of the CCP.
Party People In The House
Bennato is regarded as the “modern father of Tarantella.” This interactive experience was carried throughout the concert. After a couple of numbers, people were out of their seats. Men, women, children and even nuns were stomping, swaying and spinning to the vivacious drumming of the tambourine and the harmonic strings of the chitarra battente (Renaissance guitar) and the mandola (guitar-like instrument which developed from the lute). Even Ambassador Fornari and his wife were dancing lively.
Noteworthy was Bennato’s generosity in terms of collaborating with Filipino creativity. While he was singing one of his songs, Ninna Nanna 2002, Isis Bautista delivered the Filipino translation of it upon the musician’s request. A memorable stanza of which is as follows:
Tulog na at panaginipan mo ang lahat ng mga hardin ng mundong ito na malapit
Ang mundong ito kung saan ka nabibilang
Kapag may taong nagmamahal sa iyo.
Furthermore, he invited participants of the recently concluded CCP workshop on stage. Rowena Illut and Sean Pelegrin wowed the crowd with their newly learned steps while Adrian Lontoc tapped and thumped his fingers like a tambourine rock star.
This was truly a day of unification — one that transcended language and boundaries. “Taranta Power” was palpable through the vibrant, cheerful and spirited communication as evidenced through music and dance.
