The
music of Italy ranges across a broad spectrum of opera
and instrumental classical music, the traditional styles
of the country's different regions, and a body of popular
music drawn from both native and imported sources. Music
has traditionally been one of the cultural markers of
Italian national and ethnic identity and holds an important
position in society and in politics. Italian innovation
in musical scales, harmony, notation, and theatre enabled
the development of opera in the late 16th century, and
much of modern European classical music, such as the symphony
and concerto.
Instrumental
and vocal classical music is an iconic part of Italian
identity, spanning experimental art music and international
fusions to symphonic music and opera. Opera is integral
to Italian musical culture, and has become a major segment
of popular music. The Neapolitan song, canzone Napoletana,
and the cantautori singer-songwriter traditions are also
popular domestic styles that form an important part of
the Italian music industry, alongside imported genres
like jazz, rock and hip hop. Italian folk music is an
important part of the country's musical heritage, and
spans a diverse array of regional styles, instruments
and dances.
