The tarantella is an Italian folk dance characterized by a fast, lively 6/8 rhythm, and often accompanied by tambourines. This compilation CD presents Arakne Mediterrenea playing the music associated with the three extant forms of this ancient musical dance: Pizzica-Taranta (a healing dance with ancient roots), Pizzica de core (a joyous dance for special occasions) and Pizzica-scherma (the knives dance; now performed during the annual Cattle Fair and yearly on St. Rocco’s Day (Aug. 15th-16th).