Sunday, March 29, 2020

VERANDAH MUSIC – ITALIAN PRISONER OF WAR STYLE

Cowra, NSW. 6 February 1944. Group of Italian prisoners of war (POWs) interned at No. 12 POW Group. Known to be in this group are: 56011 Claudio Lupi; 55608 Renato Giulotti; 56003 Antonio Anghelini; 56276 Riccardo Moltevto; 56263 Gino Mariotti; 56433 Salvatore Titella; 56186 Luigi Frati; 56464 Mario Zuccarelli; 56151 Giuseppe De Andres. 
Australian War Memorial 030176/20

Music is a vital part of Italian life, culture and identity. Readers will have seen media images of Italian music-making in the midst of the Corona pandemic, proof, if any were needed, of the importance of homemade music in personal, family and community coping with disaster.

During World War 2, Italian prisoners of war around the world sustained and entertained themselves with music of all kinds. Joanne Tapiolas has conducted a marathon research project into this little-known topic. You can access its many riches through her website at 

Joanne has researched this music and related information (including recipes) in many other places, as well as Australia, bringing it together in a fascinating e-book, Walking in Their Boots, chocka with great stories and photographs. Click on the ‘Publications’ tab on her website to purchase a copy.

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