The Manoel Theatre's opening concert has always been a very popular event. Some turn up enthusiastically but are unlikely to go to another concert during the year. Perhaps they have other interests. They are invited and are happy to spend an evening listening to good music, meeting friends and acquaintances. Those invited go up to Sala Isouard, where they can chat away and perhaps discuss the concert, meet the pianist or simply catch up with life over a glass of wine.
It was full house on the 1st October. Those interested were also given a well-produced and detailed season programme for 1924-25 which comes in so handy for reference throughout the year.
The pianist was Joanne Camilleri who needs no introduction to regular concert goers. She has done many studies both here and abroad, won scholarships, more often than not finishing at the top of her class. She has also performed far and wide. Joanne is versatile and also plays the harpsichord and possibly one or two other instruments I know nothing about. If you wish to know more about her google her. She is also on that fountain of information - Wikipedia. How did we ever live without it.
That evening Joanne started off by playing a less demanding Beethovan sonata. I have lost the programme so I cannot tell you what it was. But the chef d'oeuvre was Beethoven's Hammerclavier. From its very opening bars this monumental sonata is commanding. You sit up and listen. As a virtuoso pianist himself Ludwig V (1770-1827) left us 32 sonatas and 5 concertos which are among history's landmarks as are his 9 symphonies and 16 string quartets. He was totally deaf by 1822 yet kept on composing.
To keep him in Vienna, three aristocratic admirers gathered together to provide him with a handsome annual income rendered almost worthless by the inflation following the Napoleonic wars. He died of cirrhosis of the liver. When you are creating like fury it is not surprising that you need an occasional sip of vino tinto to keep you going, especially when you have tragically lost your hearing. In his twenties his doctor had told him that he was going deaf and during his thirties he totally lost his hearing. It is remarkable to think that such was Beethoven's talent that he could continue to compose amazing music even though he himself was unable to hear it. Given the challenges that going deaf must have presented to a composer, particular at a time when medical science was not particularly advanced, it is not difficult to understand the frustrations that Beethoven must have suffered. No wonder he could be an irascible and difficult man.
Joanne is a keenly thoughtful musician and a pianist of great power and concentration.
She told us to please not clap in between movements, as so often happens here, as it is distracting.
The Hammerkalvier is a huge challenge. Only the brave and talented take it up. Joanne gave us an impressive performance. For her it was a formidable achievement. For us a rewarding recital.
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Photos: Kevin Kiomall
From Prague to Malta again - with more music
Pianist Frank Bonnici and friends will be playing on 22nd October, that is this coming Tuesday, at the Malta Society of Arts in Valetta. The theme of this concert is film music with Latin American tunes. There will also be a performance by Guitarist Reuben Mifsud, who was one of the second prize winners at The Malta Cross Music Competition which took place in Prague in the summer months. Reuben Mifsud will be performing classic Latin music.
Frank and Friends will play different styles of music including the Bossa Nova, Merengue, Rumba, Salsa, Tango and so on, largely from 20th and 21st century film music.
Be prepared for another enjoyable evening.
Concert will start at 7:00pm to 8:30pm at The Malta Society of Arts, 294 Republic Str. Valletta Malta.
Tickets www.tickline.com.mt or Facebook ( Frank Bonnici)
Photo: Didi Lowell