Artists

Canta u Populu Corsu & A Filetta

image of Canta u Populu Corsu & A Filetta Reversion to old music traditions

Oral traditions are a major component of Corsican culture. Although many of the older texts often describe a historic event, the songs sometimes tell of a current event, especially if people have gathered to celebrate a wedding or if there is a cattle market or crafts market. In the 1960s, only a few old men still knew the art of paghjella (three-voice song), the Corsican language was not permitted in schools, and Corsican culture was suppressed. Towards the end of the 70s, however, the burgeoning nationalist movement with its demand for autonomy and political self-determination brought with it a revival of the island's own culture, language and musical traditions.

Canta u Populu Corsu was the first group to concentrate on reviving Corsican traditions in the early 70s. They often met for political rallies, and made new political songs as much a part of their repertoire as ancient shepherd poetry, paghjella and polyphonic church songs – all facets of a newly awakened self-awareness and an expression of Corsican identity. In 1984, the group that had been the driving force behind Corsica's cultural revival for ten years, gave their last concert.

A Filetta was established in Balagne in 1978 and modeled along the lines of Canta u Populu Corsu with the express aim of upholding Corsican culture in language and song.