A Vucchella Sergio Bruni and his daughter

 I have many Neapolitan songs that I cherish.  A Vucchella is at the top of my list.  It is over 100 years old and still moving emotionally. 

Music continues to fascinate me.  It is a strong tool to evoke emotion.  I hate to think that music of all varieties is a weapon, but that is where my thinking leads me.   It also strikes me how music of current times that may have a simple chord structure and no melody is referred to as a great song. Sympathy for the Devil comes to mind.  Yet most are never even exposed to beautiful songs of the past and of other traditions. 

The exceptionality of this "hit" is unique starting from the author of the verses, Gabriele D'Annunzio, and the music, Francesco Paolo Tosti, to end with the interpreters, from Caruso to Bocelli, from Carreras to Pavarotti, passing through "lighter" interpreters such as Lina Sastri, Nunzio Gallo, Roberto Murolo and Claudio Villa. The verses were written in 1892 and set to music in 1904. In this recording from 1973, the "voice of Naples", Sergio Bruni, is accompanied by his daughter Adriana. Very beautiful!!!

A Vucchella (A Sweet Mouth)
Music by Francesco Paolo Tosti
Lyrics by Gabriele d’Annunzio
English Translation by Antonio Giuliano

Sì, comm’a nu sciorillo
Yes, like a little flower
tu tiene na vucchella
You have got a sweet mouth
nu poco pocorillo appassuliatella
A little bit withered

Meh, dammillo, dammillo
Please give it to me
è comm’a na rusella
it’s like a little rose
dammillo nu vasillo
Give me a little kiss
dammillo, Cannetella!
give, Cannetella!

Dammillo e pigliatillo
Give one and take one
nu vaso piccerillo
a kiss as little
nu vaso piccerillo
a kiss as little
comm’a chesta vucchella
as your mouth
che pare na rusella
which looks like a little rose
nu poco pocorillo appassuliatella
a little bit withered

Sì, tu tiene na vucchella
Yes, You have got a sweet mouth
nu poco pocorillo appassuliatella
A little bit withered