How do Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca identify as Italians?
Today is a National Holiday in Italy. It is Republic Day. It commemorates the birth of the Republic of Italy with the constitutional referendum of 1946, when the Italian population was called to decide what form of government (monarchy or republic) to give to the country after World War II and the fall of fascism. After 85 years of monarchy, Italy decided on the abolition of the monarchy, ruled by the House of Savoy, and established the Republic.
Italians are the only people in the world who do not identify with their country. They identify with their region and their people. In America we are all immigrants. We all came from someplace else. If you ask a German where his family is from, he’ll say Germany, same with France, Spain etc. but if you asked me where my family is from, I would answer, my mothers’ family is from Abruzzo, my fathers’ father is from Calabria with roots in Marsala and fathers mother is born in New York and her family was from Campania. We never say we are from Italy. We associate with who our parents are and the region of Italy they came from.
Think about the guys. Now we know they are Italian, born in Italy but Gianluca says I’m Abruzzese, Piero says I’m Sicilian and Ignazio, is the interesting one that proves my point. He says he’s Sicilian but, he was born in Bologna in Emilia Romagna. Why Sicilian, because his parents are Sicilian born in Sicily. Which begs the question, what will Ignazio’s children be?
So, 150 years after the unification of Italy, nothing has changed.
They are who their people are!
Today, live from the Arena di Verona, for the feast of the Italian Republic, Il Volo will perform the “Canto degli Italiani” (national anthem).
The hymn was written by Goffredo Mameli, poet and patriot of the 1800s.
And here it is the beautiful interpretation performed by Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca, certainly proud to sing ancient words of unchanged charm.
Click on photo below to hear IL VOLO sing the Italian national anthem.
At the beginning of the video the boys say some thoughts.
Gianluca reads the first article of the Italian Constitution.
GIANLUCA = Italy is a Democratic Republic founded on work, sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it in the forms and within the limits of the Constitution.
IGNAZIO = We want to honor this anniversary by singing the anthem of Italy, which is a Risorgimento song.
PIERO = And it is a resurgence, what we wish for Italy and for all Italians.
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Oh, you are quick, Susan ! And I thank you for it, because I couldn’t find this on my own. I knew that someone from the Flight Crew would record this moment and let the rest of us listen to Il Volo. Beautiful! And thank you for the little history lesson. Background information makes everything more enjoyable and understandable. Grazie !
Bravo. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed this. How proud and patriotic Il Volo is. God bless them and the Republic of Italy.
I had never heard the Italian anthem before and it’s a great pleasure to discover it being performed by Il Volo. They absolutely hit the right tone and attitude for a national anthem. Also, I’m very excited thinking how they must feeling getting so close to June 5. Give it your all, guys, you are certainly going to do a great job! Love you with all my heart and thank you for bringing such continuing joy in my life.
For those of us who are not on facebook, you can see the video on youtube: https://youtu.be/2U4nCaVlK_U
Yes, another outstanding presentation from Il Volo. There is excellence in all that they do. The song was so well presented. And your translation is so appreciated.
Hi Susan. This post about Italian heritage is interesting to me. You do certainly have Italian roots! Also I loved the guys singing their national anthem. They are indeed proud Italians. thanks for keeping us updated.
Thanks, Susan, for the Italian history lesson and the photos and video – and thanks to Penina, for showing me how to view it. Inspiring!
Glad to help!
Thank you thank you Thank you for this beautiful article. So informative for me to learn of Italy and the boys. I Loved every word.
Susan, Thank you so much for the regional cultural map of Italy. Thanks so much for continually teaching us about Italian culture and sharing wonderful stories of the 3 young Ambassadors of Italy- IL VOLO has revived, refreshed & modernized the Italian operatic tradition; their Bel Canto has continued to romanticize, revive the musicality, and bring the JOY of music to so many of us during this Pandemic & chaotic world.
Grazie, Grazie, Grazie!