The tarantella style of music and dance originated in southern Italy sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries. Tarantella, literally translated, means "tarantula," and many believe the dance originated as a way to sweat out the poison of a tarantula bite. It could also refer to the fact that the dancers are joined in a circle and kick their legs outward, looking from above like a tarantula. The least colorful explanation for the name is that it was derived from the town where the dance originated---Taranto.
Tarantella music features a very quick tempo, and is generally written in 6/8 time (six eight notes to a single measure). The music features flourishes such as triplets and rapid key changes and modulations, which give it a fast, almost rushed, feel.
Traditional Italian folk music, particularly the tarantella, relies on the mandolin, which is a small guitar-type instrument. Dancers commonly carry tambourines and drums, and other percussion instruments are played to keep the tempo going.
Composers in the 19th century such as Chopin wrote tarantella music for the piano and orchestral instruments. The music can be played on any instrument, as it is more described by its tempo and harmonic features than the instruments on which it is played.