The Tarantella Dance music is probably the most recognized
song of all the Italian folklore music. It literally means "tarantula"
because the dance is done by everyone in a great big circle going
clockwise, until the music in the set changes, becomes faster, then
they quickly change the direction to counterclockwise, this continues
several times and is fun to see who keeps up. You can see this dance
at authentic Italian weddings, is often the theme song of many restaurants
and pizzerias, can even be heard in The Godfather movie and
the CBS sitcom "That's Life".
Generally played with a strong mandolin (Italian
guitar) presence, each region has its own version. For example the
most popular version you will undoubtedly hear most frequently is
the Napoletana verson (that from the region of Naples). You are listening
to it now!