Hear how one man made his dream come true! www.essenceofitaly.net presents our exclusive interview with Gabriele Corti of Le Buche Vacation Apartments in Chianti. This video slideshow version of the podcast is beautifully enhanced with still photography selections from the collection "Italy Through The Eyes Of Love". Interview conducted by Carolyn Masone. English translation spoken by Jefferson Harman. NEW Revised Video Slideshow Edition Released October 23, 2008

Ecco come un personaggio doc è riuscito a realizzare il suo sogno! Nostra intervista esclusiva a Gabriele Corti, titolare de Le Buche, Residenze di Vacanza nel Chianti. Intervista in italiano condotta da Carolyn Masone. Nuova edizione modificata il 23 ottobre 2008

Hear how one man made his dream come true! www.essenceofitaly.net presents our exclusive interview with Gabriele Corti of Le Buche Vacation Apartments in Chianti. Interview conducted by Carolyn Masone. English translation spoken by Jefferson Harman. Revised Edition 10.23.08

In Part 2 of John's story, he returns to America with his repertoire of Southern Italian folk music.  But as usual, things don't go as expected. John learns to adjust and ultimately to thrive as he allows his love of this music to guide him. John T. LaBarbera entertains us with tales of his musical adventures throughout Italy in the 1970's. From the sublime to the ridiculous, his winding journey brings him to the people and events that will shape the rest of his life. Enjoy the ride along with us as he ultimately becomes a pivotal player in the revival of Southern Italian folk music.

Let Essence of Italy take you on a journey to peace and calm. Enjoy selected images from "Italy, Through the Eyes of Love" and the music of John T. LaBarbera, "Madrugada (Dawn)".

John T. LaBarbera entertains us with tales of his musical adventures throughout Italy in the 1970's. From the sublime to the ridiculous, his winding journey brings him to the people and events that will shape the rest of his life. Enjoy the ride along with us as he ultimately becomes a pivotal player in the revival of Southern Italian folk music.

Listen to Carolyn on WGHT radio discuss the philosophy behind her photography, the origins of EssenceofItaly.net and the Benefit Exhibit at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center in Tuckahoe, New York.

Let one of Lecce's finest cooking schools, www.awaitingtable.com, show you how to appreciate, cultivate and celebrate one of Italy's greatest gifts to the world: premium olive oil. Every year Silvestro Silvestori shares his love of people, cooking and authentic Italian ingredients. Be a part of it! Music by John T. LaBarbera, Dionysius' Dream.

One of the most distinctive sounds of Italy is the tremolo melody of a mandolin. Carolyn Masone explores the history of this wonderful instrument with acclaimed composer, arranger and musician John T. LaBarbera. This beautiful slideshow was designed by Jefferson Harman. Special thanks to mandolincafe.com for the evocative images of vintage postcards and to mandolino.it for providing images of an authentic Vinaccia mandolin from 1781. For a transcript of this podcast, visit our Italian Journal page at http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2008/02/the_mandolin_the_serenade_of_i.php

One of the most evocative sounds of Italy is the tremolo melody of a mandolin.  Carolyn Masone explores the history of this wonderful instrument with acclaimed composer, arranger and musician John T. LaBarbera.