National Museum of Musical Instruments

Since I have dedicated one of my themes to be focused on street entertainers throughout Rome, I thought it would only be necessary to include some information about the National Museum of Musical Instruments. If you have been to many churches, art museums and galleries throughout Rome and want to explore more, the National Museum of Musical Instruments might just be the perfect change for you.The museum holds a large collection of instruments that were collected by the Italian lyric tenor, Evan Gorga. Although he was only able to keep about have of his collection, due to economic trouble, he was still able to leave about 3,000 pieces to a convention, which agreed to pay off all his debts and financially support him for the rest of his life. The instruments were then gathered into a museum, in 1974.
You will also be given the opportunity to see Barberini's enharmonic harp, which dated back to the 17th century. The museum not only holds instruments of the western music collections, but there is also a section that is devoted to instruments of ancient cultures.
If you are interested in going to the museum, or would like to find out more information please click the link below:

http://www.galleriaborghese.it/nuove/estrumentiinfo.htm

Piazza's and Entertainment

I have chosen three different piazza's to go to, during one walk. I have combined my two themes, which are street entertainers and piazza's so one is able to explore and take away different things from each place on the walk. By starting the walk at Piazza Maria in Trastevere, you can check out the small square that is surrounded by local restaurants, bars and an octagonal fountain that was built in the late 17th century. In the evening, you are almost guaranteed to see a variety of entertainers, including magicians, jugglers and many vendors. This is not one of the three places; I just think it's a bonus, if you start at this fun little piazza.

Depending on the time of day that you visit Campo de' Fiori, you will have many different experiences. If you decide to take a morning walk, the food market that takes over the piazza during the morning and early afternoon will likely amaze you. However, if you happen to stroll along through Campo in the evening, or nighttime, the square is filled with numerous violinists and entertainers who may even put on a show for you will you enjoy a nice dinner outside. Here you will also find the statue of Giordano Bruno, who was burned to a stake in middle of the piazza.

Piazza Navona is a rather lively place, where you can find three beautiful fountains. Bernini designed the one fountain, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. Fontano di Nettuno is found at the northern end of Piazza Navona, which was sculpted by Giacomo della Porto, who also first sculpted the Fontano del Moro. However, Bernini ended up remodeling the Fontano del Moro. In addition to the fascinating fountains, the center of the piazza is always full of talented vendors who sell their artwork of portraits and landscapes.

At the final stop of the guided walk, you will find yourself at the Piazza della Rotonda, where the Pantheon is located. The Pantheon is one of the Rome's best-preserved ancient temples, which holds the tomb of Raphael. It is a very busy piazza, which is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. There are always a lot of people but beware of the vendors who will consistently ask you to buy cheap and annoying toys. I hope you enjoy this fun and historic walk! Remember to save at least two or three hours, to be able to see and appreciate everything you may stumble upon.

Guided walk: Piazza's and Street Entertainment

To begin your walk, start at the Santa Maria Church, located in the Santa Maria Piazza in Trastevere. Begin walking on Vic del via Benedetta, that will take you through a the small Piazza San Giovanni della Malva. Continue walking, until you reach the Tiber River, where you will turn left, until you reach the small bridge called Ponte Sisto. Cross the main road, Lungotevere dei Vallati, and go straight on Via die Pettinari. Take a left onto Campo di Ferro road, and follow it until you reach the first stop, Campo de' Fiori. After enjoying your time at the square, head towards Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II, by walking through Piazza della Cancellaria until you come to the main road. Cross the road, and walk straight on Viccolo Leutaria, following the road that will guide you to Piazza Navona. You have successfully made it to the next stop! To finish the walk, cross the main road, Corso Del Rinascimento and get on Via Giustiniani, which will take you straight to Piazza della Rotanda.

Piazza San Marco Music

After a romantic gondola ride to San Marco, in Venice, I was excited to check out the popular piazza which Napoleon once called "the drawing room of Europe." I immediately fell in love with the lively, and open spaced area. It was a little past nine o'clock at night, so the square was lit up which added to the dynamic of the environment. As we made our way through the crowds of pigeons that were swarming around for food, I noticed a small congregation of people standing infront of an orchestra. We continued exploring our surroundings, until we found ourselves among the same crowd, watching and listening to the orchestra.

The variety of instruments, including a violin, piano, clarinet, cello and accordian, simultaneously playing together was a nice change from the street entertainers I have gotten used to hearing. The performance is on a stage, facing a crowd of tables which are part of the restaurant, Quadri. Here you can have a romantic dinner in the center of San Marco, with the background music of a live orchestra chiming in. If you aren't in the mood, or willing to spend about sixty euro a person, you can still enjoy the entertainment by standing or dancing nearby the stage.

Vendors

Campo de' Fiori is the perfect, small piazza to go to for an early morning market, snack stop for gelato or a nice italian pasta dinner at nighttime. However, be prepared to deal with the vendors that swamp the area, continually asking you to purchase a handful of roses or strange gadgets, like blinking glasses. Unfortunately, it is hard to avoid these obnoxious vendors. At the restaurants, it is not unusual for the men to walk around with a dozen of roses, rudely interrupting people's dinner, insisting on buying the flowers.

In the morning, during the markets there are a few stands that sell the "must have" tourist sweatshirts, with large letters spelling "ITALIA." The signs are deceiving, as they are marked as ten euros, but the men will ask for at least fifteen or twenty euros when you consider buying one. If you have the time and patience, bargaining is always a good idea.

My best advice is to not make eye contact with the sellers. I usually shake my head, say "no" allowing the vendor to see that I am not interested. If they persist (which they probably will), just walk away. Although it may be annoying at times, do not let this discourage you from visiting the piazza.

Singing Beauty

Today was a beautiful, warm day, so I was excited to venture out, knowing there would be a lot of entertainers along my way. I turned the corner, and to my surprise, heard the sounds of a low voice projecting music. I have not seen one singer since I have been in Rome, so I was quite excited with my findings. As I sat and listened, it occured to me, the man was singing in English! "How convenient" I thought. Locals walked by the man as though he was a part of the wall, invisible to all. I watched as a large tourist group, that was led by a man holding an umbrella high, was very impressed with the performer. I'm starting to be convinced the tourists are the main coin droppers, adding to the street performers money collection.

Floating Musicians

Ever since I first began observing the street performers around Rome, I wondered if the musicians pick a certain spot to perform, and continually go there each day. The other day, I found myself strolling around the Piazza della Rotanda, where the Pantheon is located. I saw a young boy dressed in a proper, white, button up shirt that looked like it had just been nicely ironed. I noticed that he was carrying a violin case, and stopped in front of a crowded restaurant that was outside. As I got closer, I realized it was the same boy I had seen last week, playing the violin in Campo de' Firori. It was around the same time in the afternoon that I saw him play. Interestingly, both times he stood directly in front of a crowded restaurant, mesmerizing the guests with his talent. Ironically, on my walk home from the Piazza, I ran into the older man I saw last week, who played the Hava Nagila song on his violin. Just as the same boy, he was in a completely different place than I had first seen him. I have made a conclusion that the street performers are never consistent with the location that they play, but it's never too hard to stumble upon some entertainment in Rome.

music, wine and dinner

Over the weekend I had an amazing opportunity to travel to Sorrento, located in Southern Italy. It was a gorgeous, friendly and welcoming area, that was a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend. As we were riding the bus from the center of the city, down to the water, where our Hotel was located, I noticed the narrow windy roads that lead our way. I immediately figured I would unfortunately have to go a weekend without seeing or hearing the music notes from a violin or accordian.

We took Rick Steve's advice and went to Ristorante Delfino, for an inexpensive and very pleasurable meal, while overlooking the sun as it slowly tucked away beneath the water. The friendly waiter, delicious wine, and delectible pasta were all beyond amazing. We were finishing up our meals, when I noticed two young, italian men dressed in matching striped dress shirts walk in to the restaurant. The one, carrying a small tambourine, as the other triumpantly walked in with his accordian, while pulling along a speaker that was conveniently on wheels. As the duo slowly began their performance, I slightly turned my head, peering out onto the pink sky, that was beautifully reflected upon the water. I took a bite of my pasta, a sip of my wine and swayed with the melody of the music. This was one of those moments where I wish I could hit the pause button controlling my life and freeze that moment in time.

Young Performers

I have been noticing more and more street entertainers throughout the different Piazza's I have visited. The majority of the street performers I have encountered have been older men, who are usually playing a violin or accordion. Today, while in the Campo de'Fiori, I noticed a young boy, not older than sixteen, playing a violin in front of a crowded restaurant. It dawned on me that it was only noon, on a weekday. While many young teens were running around the piazza, shopping and enjoying their day, this young boy was standing tall, with a straight face, playing music in hopes for a few coins. Although I have seen many street performers in large cities in the US, it is very uncommon to see young teenagers performing by themselves. The young man was very talented, so I dropped a few coins in his violin case to show my appreciation for his music, and walked away listening to the music as it slowly faded.

Music to the ears

As we were walking home from school today, I heard the sounds of a violen from the distance. The sounds led me to a tall man, dressed in a baggy suit, slowly playing his violin, producing a beautiful tune. He wore a look of sorrow in his eyes, but never changed the expression on his face as he moved and swayed with the melody of his music. I saw two passer byers drop a couple of coins in his violin case to show the appreciation of his music. He nodded to show his gratitude, and continued playing. Ironically he was playing the song, Hava nagila, a well known jewish song that is often played at bar mitzvah's. I have been told that he is often at the exact place, at the same time every day...so I will have to check tomorrow!

Street Entertainers

After wandering the ancient streets of Rome for a couple of days now, I have noticed the random locals who are seen playing a variety of instruments in hopes to recieve some money from the people passing by.  Although this is not an odd thing to come across in large cities, I have always been the traveler who stops to enjoy the music that is being played.  I always feel the need to give the entertainer a few coins for their performance and the enjoyment I get from listening to their music.  Along with enjoying the music, many thoughts run through my head as to how many people actually stop and drop coins in the money cup on the ground, and who the people are who give the money.  I assume the majority of the people are tourists, but I have not taken the time in Rome to actually notice if anyone does generously throw in a few of their own coins.  I plan on observing different street entertainers throughout this beautiful city of Rome to answer the many questions that remain unanswered.  By studying these people I think I will broaden my knowledge on the italian culture and the actions of other people, including the many tourists that travel to this historic and beautiful place.