Dear Visitor,
If you happen to visit this page, it means that you received information about my recording of the song “Speak Sofly Love,” which was the theme song for 1972 movie The Godfather. Its instrumental version is simply known as “Love Theme from The Godfather.” Larry Kusik wrote the original English lyrics, and Nino Rota composed the music. For almost 30 years, Nino Rota was the Director of the Conservatory of Bari, which is located in Puglia, the Italian province where I was raised and where I did part of my vocal training. Different sets of lyrics for the song were written in French (Parle plus bas), Italian (Parla più piano), Sicilian (Brucia la terra), and Spanish (Amor háblame dulcemente). Dalida sang the French version; the Sicilian version was sung by Anthony Corleone’s character (played by singer and actor Franc D’Ambrosio) in sequel The Godfather: Part III.
The differences between the English and the Sicilian versions of the song tell a lot about how feelings are expressed in the American and Sicilian cultures. They tell of two different ways of declaring love: one is more intimate, and the other is more passionate. I am grateful for the several years that I spent in Sicily, which I regard as my second home, and having learned the Sicilian dialect. It has helped me to understand the nuances of the Sicilian lyrics of “Brucia la terra.” For those who wish to spend a few minutes, the lyrics of the song are at the bottom of this newsletter.
As I have decided to include it on my next album, I thought to share this first recording version of this song with all of you.
You can download the mp3 free of charge from the link below. I hope you enjoy it!
Luciano Lamonarca, Tenor