‘Qui canto io’ exhibition in Praiano
From 4 October to 31 December 2025, the charming 17th-century chapel of the Congrega del Rosario in Piazza San Luca in Praiano will host the exhibition ‘Qui canto io’ (Here I sing), which explores Eduardo Scarpetta’s little-known role as a writer of verses composed to become songs. The most important actor and author of Neapolitan theatre between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he was also a prolific songwriter. The exhibition, promoted by the Bideri Foundation with the scientific advice of the Istituto del Dramma Napoletano directed by Mariano d’Amora, represents the first systematic survey of Scarpetta’s vast songbook: 214 songs, 54 of which were written for non-theatrical purposes, often focusing on the theme of love.
The exhibition guides visitors through the evolution of Scarpetta’s work, starting with his early compositions in the 1872 book Lo poeta napolitano (The Neapolitan Poet) and ending with Canzoni napolitane (Neapolitan Songs), the first collection of Scarpetta’s songs printed by Ferdinando Bideri in 1890. Among the most interesting pieces are “Pizziche e fuje”, an ironic response to Salvatore Di Giacomo’s famous “Dimane t’ ‘o ddico‘, and “O mbriaco” (1894), characterised by sharp and sarcastic irony.
A significant part of the exhibition is devoted to songs composed for the Piedigrotta festivals, such as “Non me toccà”, set to music by his son Vincenzo and winner of the 1898 competition promoted by La Bohéme magazine. Other sections recount the songs written for his daughter Maria’s birthdays and the curious “Na santarella”, in which Scarpetta celebrates the public success of the play of the same name, describing a scene at the box office of the Teatro Sannazaro.
Alongside his original compositions, the album features 160 pieces that Scarpetta composed or adapted for his theatre shows, including famous rewrites such as “Comme facette mammeta” and “Tarantelluccia”. The author frequently drew on the classic popular repertoire, from “Michelemmà” to “Pusilleco Pusì”, demonstrating a deep connection with the Neapolitan musical heritage.
The exhibition concludes by exploring the author’s links with the central figures of the golden age of Neapolitan song: from his collaborations with Rocco Galdieri and Ferdinando Russo to the recognition he received from illustrious names such as Giovanni Capurro, Aniello Califano, Rodolfo Falvo and E.A. Mario.
Participation is free of charge.
For further information: Praiano Tourist Information Office | Tel. 089 874557 – 342 0602674 | Email: infopoint@distrettocostadamalfi.it
Photo © Tgr Campania
