Written in 1880 to celebrate the launch of a funicular cable car service taking people to the summit of Mount Vesuvius and back, “Funiculì, Funiculà” has enjoyed worldwide popularity, with its universal theme of celebrating a day off at a popular tourist spot with one’s true love. Ironically, the cable car service was destroyed over a half-century later during an eruption of the volcano. Yet the song itself remains a popular testament to the joys of life.
For that reason, this piece is one that people enjoy again and again at parties, wedding receptions, and other joyous occasions. Guitarists who learn it will have a great go-to number to spark a festive atmosphere at events at which they play.
This guitar transcription is in the key of A major.
Spot Practice Clip:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/embed/9susyGhWk7w[/youtube]There is a somewhat complex relationship between the accompaniment and the melody here. Be sure not to repeat fingers on the melodic line (such as i-i, m-m, a-a) Always alternate your fingers. In this case, it is preferable to alternate using m-a, since i will be busy playing the swing rhythm of the tarantella in the accompaniment. It is fine to switch to i-m on the passages with only a bass note in the accompaniment (no chord).
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