Alpini songs

The Alpini, Italy's mountain infantry corps, produced a body of songs during World War I that later became widely known in Italy. These songs originated within the corps during the conflict, which was called the 'War in snow and ice' because most of the 600 km frontline ran through high mountains and glaciers.

After the war, former members, known as 'Veci', founded choirs in their hometowns, offering the Italian people a glimpse into the hardships of that war. The songs tell of the brutality of combat, the loss of comrades, and the longing for home. Among the most famous are 'Aprite le Porte', 'Bersagliere Ha Cento Penne', 'Cosa Fai, Mio Bel Gin Gin', 'Di qua, di là del Piave', 'E Cadorna Manda A Dire', 'Era Una Notte Che Pioveva', 'Il Testamento Del Capitano', 'La Montanara', 'La Si Taglia I Biondi Capelli', and 'La Tradotta'.