The Pipes of the Mezzogiorno

Zampogna at the Metropolitan Museum of Art 

The bagpipes are an ancient instrument, dating back thousands of years; they're even mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 4:21). Here in America we normally associate the bagpipes with the Irish and Scottish, who have a long and storied tradition with this wonderful instrument. However, many Americans, even those of Italian ancestry, are unaware that Italy has an ancient bagpipe tradition of its own. Ironically, this tradition is more prevalent in Southern half of the peninsula than in the North, where there is supposedly a more Celtic influence.

While the music of the zampogna, as the instrument is called, may not be as well known outside the Mezzogiorno as say the world renowned canzone napoletana (Neapolitan song) or the percussion-based tarantella, it is still an important part of Southern Italy's vast and impressive musical heritage.

Each year, beginning on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8th) right through the Christmas season, peasant musicians, called pifferari e zampognari (fifers and pipers), make their way from town to town playing traditional songs. It's unmistakable sound fills the air bringing great joy to the Christmas celebration.

The pifferari e zampognari are so much a part of the Christmas tradition in Southern Italy that they have become customary characters, just as popular as the Magi, angels and shepherds, in the elaborate Neapolitan presepi, or Nativity Scenes—another venerable Southern Italian folk art dedicated to the Christmas celebration.

With only a handful of these specialized musicians here in the States, it has become virtually impossible to hear the zampogna live anymore, but one of the few benefits of living in the modern world is we can always listen to, or purchase, the music online. While not the same as listening to it in person, the music will definitely make a nice change of pace from the same old vapid secular Christmas songs incessantly played over the airwaves during the Christmas season. Buon Natale!

Pifferari e zampognari with the

Holy Family by Susy Gatto

(L-R) Pifferari e zampognari by Antonio Caruso

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Further reading:

• Zampogna (Neapolitan Bagpipes) by Jeff Matthews, Around Naples Encyclopedia

• The Neapolitan Presepe by Jeff Matthews, Around Naples Encyclopedia
• Zampogna and Zampognari, Made in South Italy Today

~ Edited November 30, 2022