This lovely piece of music from Offenbach’s opera The Tales of Hoffmann always reminds me of the Coves del Drach in Mallorca where visitors can experience an underground concert with musicians playing violins, cellos and a harmonium as they row across the subterranean lake. The barcarolle has its origins in Venice and is traditionally sung by gondoliers. The barcarolle is normally in the 6/8 time signature and speed is dictated by the gondolier’s stroke as the gondola moves through the water.

First time on the site? Find out more about the 365 Songs project or see all of my March songs here.