# Italian Pop Music and Culture

**Language:** Italian  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Master Italian listening comprehension and colloquial expression by listening to Davide and Federica's conversation about five decades of iconic music, from classic singer-songwriters to the Sanremo Festival and modern rap. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

**Setting:** While visiting Naples for a music festival in the historic Rione Sanità, Davide and Federica strike up a conversation at a local pizzeria over a 5 € margherita. They decide to share their favorite Italian tracks from different eras while exploring the city's vibrant streets and riding the funicolare.

## Lessons

### 1. Talking about music preferences

While enjoying pizza in Naples, Davide and Federica discuss their music tastes, and Davide offers to play a song by an old Italian singer-songwriter.

### 2. Describing past habits

Davide explains how he used to secretly listen to music while driving a tram, and describes the song's chorus to Federica.

### 3. Expressing opinions about music

Federica plays a song by Vasco Rossi, leading to a discussion with Davide about whether older songs should be called "old" or "classic."

### 4. Describing the mood of music

Federica introduces Davide to an energetic 90s rock band, prompting Davide to compare the music's angry tone to his past tram-driving days.

### 5. Discussing a popular cultural event

Davide and Federica discuss the massive cultural impact of the Italian song festival and how it gets the entire country singing.

### 6. Suggesting a joint activity

Federica suggests taking the funicular to see the view of Naples, and Davide proposes listening to modern rap music on the way up.

### 7. Exchanging recommendations with someone

Federica promises to recommend a new song to Davide tomorrow, while Davide offers to lend her a classic vinyl record from his suitcase.