The great popularity of the harp in Naples began in the 16th c., during Spanish rule. The harp was highly appreciated in Spain and was often used in the choirs of religious institutions, noble families and the royal family; its popularity soon spread Neapolitan musical culture. Giovanni Caramiello’s works sometimes contain elaborate variations on the theme; in other works what prevails is the faithful transposition of the melody. In most cases, the original theme is preserved, and only very occasionally are there passages so varied as to make it difficult to recognize the theme.
