Un Américain à la découverte de l’Italie : Alan Lomax et la voix du Mezzogiorno (1954-1955)

Abstract

This article delves into the work of American ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax during his expedition to Italy in the 1950s to document traditional music in collaboration with Diego Carpitella. Lomax’s Italian adventure, marked by extensive collection of recordings and photographs, takes place within a particular intellectual climate. Lomax is deeply influenced by the works of Ernesto De Martino, Carlo Levi’s Cristo si è fermato a Eboli, and his meeting with Alberto Moravia.Through a meticulous analysis of Lomax’s radio programmes for the BBC and his theoretical writings, the article explores his conception of folk music in Southern Italy. According to Lomax, this music holds unsuspected richness and authenticity. The musical characteristics of Southern songs sharply contrast with those of the North and reflect the harsh living conditions and archaic customs of the Mezzogiorno. In this perspective, the shrill and mournful voices of women translate, from cradle to grave, the drama of a South that deserves to be rediscovered and preserved.

Keywords

• Lomax (Alan)
• Carpitella (Diego)
• ethnomusicology
• folk music
• Southern Italy