Pablo Casals, the renowned Spanish-Puerto Rican cellist, composer and conductor, believed that "Music is the divine way to tell beautiful poetic things to the heart." Who can question that? Is it possible to live without music I ask myself?
Someone on television dared say that there is no culture in Malta. But culture is everywhere for those who are interested. The government is even giving subsidies to the media to promote culture. Of course there are many who would rather play cards than listen to a good recital; would rather watch a third rate soap opera on TV than go to a play, and so on. But there is plenty of culture in Malta and indeed Gozo and it is within reach unlike bigger countries where you have to travel long distances to enjoy any kind of theatre etc.
I am sorry I only managed to attend two of the 12 days of Christmas concerts conceived by the artistic director of the Manoel Theatre, Adrian Mamo. I thoroughly enjoyed both. The last one, Wintertide Waltz took place on the 3rd January and was repeated the following day. Two young and promising pianists, Christina Muscat and Kellyann Spiteri presented themselves well at the newly redecorated Sala Isouard, Manoel Theatre, which looked even more splendid in Christmas mode.
The President's wife, Mrs Vella, attended, listened attentively and said later on that she enjoyed the concert and encouraged the pianists. The first lady is low key but very diligent and always with a smile for everyone. We shall miss the President and Mrs Vella when they are eventually replaced. By whom, is the question.
The first on the keyboard was Christine Muscat who has presence. She began piano studies at the age of ten with Mrs Irina Fedcenko-Carbonaro. Besides performing, Christine has been exploring music composition since the age of seven, spanning classical to jazz and beyond. She is active in concerts and competitions globally and consistently earns high ratings. Notably she won First Prize in the 2023 Juzeliũnas Contemporary Piano Music Competition in Lithuania. "This success led to an invitation to perform my composition Waltz in A Flat at Vinius Town Hall in May, last year, where I received a special prize for the best original composition which was subsequently published." She played her waltz at Sala Isouard that afternoon and it was very well received. Christina also gave us Robert Schumann's Papillions Op 2 Nos 1-4 and 6-8. This suite of piano pieces was composed by Schumann (1810 -56) when he was just 21. In both life and music, Schumann embodied the essence of romanticism. His biography reads like a 19th century novel. Having ruined his prospects as a pianist by injuring his right hand, he fell in love with Clara, a virtuoso pianist herself and the daughter of Schumann's professor and mentor, Friedrick Wieck who it is said had opposed the marriage. Robert and Clara were married in 1840 but the blissful union ended tragically in 1854, when Schumann in one of his many fits of depression, threw himself into the Rhine. He was rescued only to be taken at his own request to a mental asylum where he died, lonely and abandoned. Where was Clara, I ask myself? Didn't she go and visit him?
Schumann's soul is in his music. He had an ardent nature. His music is not written for entertainment, but from an inner need to communicate his emotions. This complex human being produced some beautiful romantic music, Papillons, being a very romantic creation. I thought Christine captured its spirit beautifully. I know I am superficial but her dress was truly appropriate for the occasion, a long, velvet dress in Burgandy.
Any concert is also a show. Presentation is important as it adds to the enjoyment.
The romantic Schumann was followed by four Scriabin's Preludes which were clearly influenced by Chopin. Scriabin was acclaimed both as a pianist, the equal of his friend Rachmanimov, and as a composer.
Another early death, Scriabin died after a sore on his lip became septic. The infection killed him, in 1915, at the age of 43. He was absorbed by philosophy and mysticism notably the beliefs of the theophist Madame Blavatsky.
The second pianist was Kellyann Spiteri who started playing the piano at the age of nine years. She has two diplomas and is presently studying for her LLCM Diploma. After Sixth Form she will be persuing her music studies at the Uiversity of Malta. "I see myself as a teacher of music - specifically of the pianoforte - as well as a professional performer. I strongly believe that music offers many benefits to anyone who is interested in it, especially children and teens. Apart from the obvious delight and excitement I experience when I play for an audience, I enjoy performing in music ensembles or as an accompanist. So far, I have had the pleasure of playing with numerous musicians and in several events, and this is a great opportunity to make new friends and grow musically. I have also been the Malta Youth Orchestra's pianist for the past two years." She has an air of being a diligent and focussed student.
She offered us J.S. Bach's Prelude and Fugue BWV 983. Her recital consisted of a varied programme with pieces spanning from the Baroque to the Romantic eras as well as a jovial Christmas Medley which included works by Bach and Rachmaninov, among others.
I found the playing of both pianists elegant, graceful, sensitive and powerful.
I love David Bowie's saying: "I don't know where I am going from here, but I promise it won't be boring." I believe this is applicable to these two young girls who apply themselves to their music, are diligent and love what they are doing. If they don't have too many babies they will do well.
The concert ended with the presentation of a generous cheque to Mrs Vella. The Minister of Culture too joined and thank you's were exchanged. This was a fitting end to this series of concert which I hope will be repeated again and again.
Scatola Magica
On 6th February, Dotta. Anna Porceddu will be leading another Scatola Magica event. This month the subject will be "olio d'oliva extra vergine monovarietale." We all know about extra virgin olive oil is but how many of us have heard of "olio monovarietale" which is composed 100% of olives of the same variety. It is a new concept which allows us to choose types of these oils which we can match perfectly to different food (meat, fish, vegetables and pasta and which improves the taste decisively.
Francesco Donadini after the presentation, will be offering those present a taste of some varieties of this "olio monovarietale."
This event will be held on 6 February, at 18:30, Hall 2, Valletta Design Cluster, 25,Bull Street, Valletta.
Photos: Matthew Borg
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