THE MGR GIUSEPPE FARRUGIA CONCERT: REVIEW BY ALBERT G. STORACE

This was the penultimate concert of this year’s Victoria International Arts Festival. This year it coincided with the first centenary from the death of Mgr. Giuseppe Farrugia (1852-1925). This man was an amazingly talented person. Priest, preacher, poet, teacher, composer, administrator and even an adept hand at architectural design. He was also Dean of the Gozo Cathedral Chapter.

Mgr. Farrugia had close relations with La Stella the origins of which were in 1863 and officially recognised in 1881. Many were the works he composed for La Stella which include marches, cantatas, etc. His work was known to a few scholars but in general over the years few knew about him.

I became acquainted with this amazing personality when the Aula chamber music hall which bears his name was inaugurated several years ago. Since then this Aula, within the basilica of St. George complex has been the most frequently used venue of the festival.

For a change and for this evening’s concert most of the square was not cluttered with chairs and tables but with seating for the public. The façade of the basilica was beautifully illuminated and in front of the door stood St. George on a pedestal with the vanquished dragon underfoot. The striking statue is the work of Vincenzo Cremona (1851-1912) a well-known statuary of his time.

The Piccole Stelle were huddled under. Very few of them could be seen and seemed to be girls, but heard they definitely were in due course.

The concert was introduced by Notary Dr. Paul George Pisani who is also a well-known scholar. Practically all the music was by Mgr. Farrugia. The man’s melodic vein is extremely rich and beautiful, very well-crafted and at times even forward-looking.

The first work Deus Tuorum Militum was composed in 1892 and eventually arranged for band by Giuseppe Giardini Vella (1885-1976). He was Sicilian born and was associated with the band for many years.

The Marcia San Giorgio was composed earlier in 1888 and dedicated to Pietro Attard as a sign of friendship. The Band was on very good form, cohesive, produced a pleasant smooth tone and with well-controlled dynamics.

More works followed like the triumphant Spento è il Drago (1901) glorifying the death of the dragon held as a symbol of evil. Here was a solo rokw for the soprano whose very lovely well-matched well-controlled voice was a delight. This was the first time I heard her and looked forward to more.

Un fiore per te (A flower for you) from 1885, was dedicated by Mgr. Farrugia to a fellow priest Father Giuseppe Cremona.

Midway through the concert Mr. Michael Formosa, President of La Stella delivered a very interesting tribute to Mgr. Farrugia. He remarked how this distinguished man was very keenly involved with La Stella and left a rich musical legacy to the Band. He also expressed satisfaction that the work of this composer is being revived such as on this occasion. Gradually he will be given the full recognition he deserves.

As was the case at some earlier points the Piccole Stelle were on good form, and always on cue. I know that they are young but they should shout a little less. An apparently quite popular work was Su Garzoni (1894). It began with a very beautiful clarinet obbligato by Mario Galea leading to the soprano solo entry. She sang with heart and intelligence and the children did not lack enthusiasm either.

I think that the cantata Salve Luce (1890) for soprano, tenor and baritone was the evening’s crowning glory. Solo lines and well-interacted solo ensemble work were most praiseworthy. The singers were obviously enjoying giving life to music which had long been gathering dust for so many years.

Following this interpretation there was a brief presentation ceremony during which the Band President presented mementoes to four bandsmen for their 50 uninterrupted years of service to La Stella. These were Mr. George Isaac Camilleri, Karmenu Farrugia, George Borg and Michael Sant.

Concluding the event, the Inno (Hymn) La Stella also known as l’innu ż-żgħir (the small hymn) was sung by the very zestful Piccole Stelle and Band. It was composed by Vincenzo Ciappara (1890-1979), who was maternal uncle to Carmelo Pace (1906-93). The latter is one of Malta’s most distinguished composers of his generation.

ALBERT GEORGE STORACE

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Photos by Joe Attard