Lejn muzika siekta: tahdita muzikali fi tliet movimenti

Abstract

Before the advent of music, sounds emanated from natural elements. Man broke the first barrier by creating music which, over time, appeared in different cultures that gave birth to myriad styles. However, this also contributed to an increase in many artificial noises which came about as a result of ‘progress’. Man tried in vain to translate these ‘noises’ into his compositions but music still lacked the necessary oxygen injected by previous composers into their masterpieces. A second barrier was broken by creating a new style which contained fewer notes to the accompaniment of celestial harmonies. The true final break came with the arrival of perfect silent music. This paper will focus on how these three ground-breaking barriers came about: (i) Ode to Jubal – father of music; (ii) Edge of silence in Camilleri’s music; (iii) In the shadow of silence with Cage. This presentation will also include piano and violin performances of three musical excerpts. As part of this musical voyage I shall be talking about (i) the biblical character of Jubal, inventor of musical instruments, and my work in his honour; (ii) the creation of silent music in one of Camilleri’s latest works; (iii) the arrival of silence in a famous work by Cage which represents the type of music containing imaginary sounds.