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Core 'ngrato (Ungrateful Heart)
Written in 1911 by the celebrated Neapolitan poet Riccardo Cordiferro, the lyrics speak of a man's desperate love for a woman who has decided to leave him for another.
The Neapolitan song "Core 'ngrato" (Ungrateful Heart) is one of the most moving and famous in the Neapolitan musical repertoire.
Written in 1911 by the celebrated Neapolitan poet Riccardo Cordiferro, the lyrics speak of a man's desperate love for a woman who has decided to leave him for another. The song's protagonist, heartbroken, begs the woman to come back to him, lamenting her ingratitude and betrayal.
The poignant melody, composed by the great Neapolitan composer Salvatore Cardillo, carries the words of the lyrics in an intense and compelling way, drawing the listener into all the passion and pain felt by the protagonist.
The song has been performed by numerous artists over the years, including the celebrated tenor Enrico Caruso. It has become a true anthem of Neapolitan history and tradition, and is still loved and admired the world over today.
In every rendition of "Core 'ngrato", one can hear the deep sadness and pain of romantic abandonment that the song's protagonist tries to exorcise. The song touchingly captures the complexity of romantic life, and its universal message continues to reach the hearts of listeners of every culture and nationality.
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Neapolitan songs
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