This acting song, which took place in the parish of Pontechianale (Val Varaita - CN) during the Christmas midnight mass, talks about a group of spinners who, at the good news of the birth of the Messiah, plans to go to Bethlehem to offer help and support to the poor mother with a fatherless son. A story of solidarity between women.
The tradition of nouvé is undoubtedly occitan, widespread since the mid-16th century, especially in the Provençal area, but given the linguistic and cultural proximity it has very likely, marginally also affected the Piedmontese Alpine side.
Text taken from “Popular songs in Casteldelfino” (ATP, vol. XXIII, 1904) by Giuseppe Ferraro and published under the title “Orazione”.
The musical part, as it wasn’t reported by Ferraro, has been written by Andrea Sibilio.
Special thanks to Gianpiero Boschero (Jan Peire ‘d Bousquìer), distinguished researcher and scholar of Occitan culture for the invaluable help he gave us in the analysis of the text and its correct pronunciation.
from
Concerto di Natale,
released May 8, 2022
Renzo Ceroni: Chitarre e bassetto / Guitars and little double bass
Enzo G. Conti: Fisarmoniche diatoniche, dulcimer, autoharp, harmonium
Melodeons, dulcimer, autoharp, harmonium
Paolo Dall’Ara: Cornamuse e flauti / Bagpipes and recorders
Matteo Dorigo: Ghironde / Hurdy-gurdies
Vincenzo “Chacho” Marchelli: Voce, fruja, grolotìr, sonagli e campanelli / Voice, piedmontese and alpine ethnic percussions
Andrea Sibilio: Violino, viola, mandoloncello, voce / Violin, viola, mandocello, voice
Betti Zambruno: Voce / Voice
special guest:
Andrea Peasso: / double bass