Welcome to Quel Mazzolin di Canti!
(Theme song: Quel Mazzolin di Fiori)
This site is a source for lyrics to old Italian folk songs that were compiled by me from many sources.
Some of the lyrics are missing and some are surely wrong. I will appreciate comments and suggested corrections, so this will be a better resource for all viewers. However, at some point I will publish this compilation in true book form and I will want it to be as correct as possible. So please understand that if you do make corrections or suggestions you are agreeing that I can use them in any way, without compensation. Of course, I will try to give credit where possible.
The compilation of songs contains some family recipes, at the end of each letter of the alphabet. If you want to see just the recipes, they have been set out on a separate page here.
All contemporary photographs are by Wendy Tiefenbacher.
Quel Mazzolin di Canti 
Thank you so much for mentioning my Dad!!! I remember all those Lombard picnics and of course the annual dinner the first Saturday after Lent! I make my dad’s minestrone soup and risotto! The only difference is I soak the porcini muchrooms in water, then I also add that water to the risotto — with the sausage and mushrooms… really is delicious! Rosemarie Diani
Would you have a classical song lyrics for “CORE ‘NGRATO
I am trying without success to remember the words to a cantata that my grandma used to sing to me. She was from Calabria. All I can remember is “Nana coocoo, come’ vena ___ ___”. I’m hoping someone is familiar and could let me know the rest of the words or direct me as to a resource. Many thanks.
its probably a slumber song that all kids were sang to….ninna ho ninna ho questa bimba a chi la do…..etc
Hello John, and thanks for the comment. Based on the few words that Nicoletta gave us to work with, I’m not 100% sure that you and her are referring to the same song. In fact, there seem to be hundreds of ninna nanna songs (lullabies). There are a few on this site already and I hope to put some more in. Keep in touch. Anslemo
My mother, Helena Mascia and my father, Giovanni Piacquadio were born in Colle Sanita, Benevento. My mother sang this song to me as a young boy. I am now 76 years old. I always had the melody in my head but only part of the lyrics. The song brings back many pleasant memories of my mother. I am so happy now to finally put the lyrics to the melody. Thank you so much.
William Piacquadio
Thank you so much for the comment. However, I can’t tell which song you were referring to. In any case, I am glad you enjoyed the site. Sorry for the delay in replying but U was traveling. I am now translating more lyrics. Anselmo.
Help
My grandmother would sing a great song about musical instruments I believe it’s starts out like ay gompardre
Also a part is la violina. And la trombolina
Any thoughts?
Hello Judy,
Sorry for the late reply but I was away.
If you look at “Eh Compari” under the Southern Songs on this site, I think that is the one you are looking for.
Of course, the title is in “dialect”, so “Ay Gompadre” may be as accurate as the title that I use. In other words, there probably are many versions.
Under “Eh Compari” or similar variations, I’m sure you can find a sung version on You Tube, iTunes, and so on.
Hope this helps.
Anselmo
Hey compare…che vo sonare….e come si sona la trombetta….e la trombetta e come si sona….tututututututa
Thanks Giovanni. I think that you can see that I already replied to Judy about her inquiry. The song is included in my list as “Eh, cumpare”, but as I had told her, it has many variations. Thanks for your comment.