"L'Antica Trattoria" and the Music

V incenzo and his Mandolin

The deep thinking behind why our restaurant, which opened in Sorrento in 1930, has assumed a resident mandolinist, is that there is a deep and ancient tie between the very best in catering and good music. This instrument so intimate, personal and gracious bound to a restaurant like "L'Antica Trattoria" blends ones visit with sweetness and pleasure, maybe while enjoying a dish both tasty and delicate...

Vincenzo,our treasured mandolinist, for more than 15 years, punctually everyday has been serenading our clients with his extensive repertory of italian and neapolitan songs, sometimes leading into international favourites. It has been written of Vincenzo that he "doesn't play with his plectrum, but with his soul".

 

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Origin and history of the mandolin

Considering all the various instruments played "at table", it seems they all derive from the original arabian lute, which was introduced into southern Italy when the Saracens ruled, and certainly the mandolin is a derivation of the arabian lute. The evolution of the mandolin was more concentrated in Naples, which has already shown an openness to all the noble arts, from the ancient times of rhapsodies and court musicians.

The mandolin is mistakenly thought of as second to its close relation to violin, when in fact important composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Paisiello and Pergolesi have the famous "periodo d'oro della canzone napoletana". From 1880-1900 was when the mandolin really came into its own and with its delicaly and sweetness has shown through in such songs as "Torna a Surriento", "Mandolinata a Napoli", "Funiculì Funicolà", Santa Lucia, etc...