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On The Trallaleri Trail: Documenting Genoa's Ancient Polyphonic Singing Style

In an article published on Immersive, a new website that enables easily produced and elegant storytelling, Paris-based writer and musician Ilan Moss delivers a fascinating account of Italy’s “Trallaleri” singers. This ancient form of European polyphonic singing can still be found in the quiet streets of the port city of Genoa.

Trallalero is usually performed by men, but modern groups can include women. The name comes from the different syllables, such as tra-la-la, sung by the performers. A group can include 9 to 20 singers who each play a different role: tenor, baritone, bass, alto, contralto or even a voice that sounds like a guitar.

This polyphonic music was studied and recorded in the 1950s by the American ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax, who said he was blown away by the unique sound he encountered in Genoa.

Read Ilan Moss’s story for more details and songs.

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Geopolitics

China's Military Intentions Are Clear — And Arming Taiwan Is The Only Deterrence

China is spending more money on weapons and defense than ever. The reason is evident: Xi Jinping wants to take Taiwan. Europe should follow the U.S. and support Taipei militarily as the only way to deter Beijing from war.

Photo of Military drills in Taiwan amid rising China-U.S. Tensions

Taiwanese soldiers stand guard at a base during a military drill simulating defense operations against a possible Chinese PLA intrusion

Gregor Schwung

-OpEd-

BERLIN — Fear is never the best advisor.

It is, however, an understandable emotion when China announces the biggest increase in its defense budget in memory. And when Beijing does so after siding with Russia in the Ukraine war with its supposed "peace plan" and justifying the increase with an alleged "escalating oppression" of China in the world.

The budget plan unveiled by outgoing Premier Li Keqiang calls for a 7.2% increase in defense spending. That's more than in previous years — and just the official figure.

Experts estimate the true spending is much higher, as Beijing finances its military through numerous shadow budgets.

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