Emilia-Romagna, a land of musical instruments
2 minutes
In Emilia-Romagna, music has always been a vital and distinctive force. Great composers and conductors such as Giuseppe Verdi and Arturo Toscanini, icons of Italy’s musical heritage, were born and trained here. It was in this region that the greatest tenor of all time, Luciano Pavarotti, took his first steps, while the dance halls of Romagna gave rise to Liscio, one of Italy's best-known folk dance genres worldwide. It is also here that major international rock and pop stars, such as Zucchero and Laura Pausini, have found their artistic roots. It is difficult to find a more fertile land from a musical point of view, capable of combining historical legacies and artisanal traditions, such as the making of musical instruments – a heritage that has stood the test of time for centuries and represents an authentic example of Made in Italy.
Budrio and its ocarinas
The town of Budrio, just outside Bologna, is famous for the production of the ocarina: a terracotta musical instrument, specifically a bulbous flute, invented in 1853 by the musician Giuseppe Donati and subsequently popularised all over the world. Particularly popular in the Far East – where it is believed to help combat depression and keep the mind in good shape – this tradition survives today mainly thanks to a small museum in the local Auditorium and the work of a maker who preserves the techniques handed down by the old craftsmen. However, every two years, the small town of Budrio celebrates this instrument with a festival that attracts musicians and instrument makers from all over the world.
Behind the Two Towers of Bologna lies a long-standing passion for craftsmanship and music. In the regional capital, which has been designated a UNESCO ‘City of Music’, master craftsmen have been producing instruments of the highest quality since the 19th century. From the skilled hands of the city's luthiers come violins, guitars and pianos, all handmade and an authentic expression of Made in Italy.
The ancient art of violin-making in Ferrara
In Ferrara, a tradition that dates back to the Este court in the 16th century continues to this day. The city is home to artisan workshops specialising in the restoration of antique instruments and the production of organs, double basses and mandolins, helping to keep alive a musical and artisanal culture deeply rooted in the Italian identity.
