The virtuoso Italian string ensemble “Interpreti Veneziani,” hugely popular in Europe, made their first American tour this year, and 'Iolani brought them to school back in January to perform for fascinated and inspired students.
These eight musicians played for lower and upper school students, prefacing each selection with an introduction and commentary in Italian. Although one of their members briefly translated the gist of the story into English, hearing the beauty of this most musical of spoken languages was mind-opening in itself.
Their performance included music by Vivaldi, Corelli, and Paganini. Before embarking on their performance of a double violin concerto by Vivaldi (this most famous of Venetian composers), they explained how this piece paints a musical picture of Venice. Several Iolani students were invited to the stage to sit in with the pros for their performance of a Corelli concerto grosso, and the concert ended with a spectacular performance of Paganini’s Moses variations for solo cello with orchestra.
Comments from 7th and 8th graders in orchestra 2:
“The performance made me realize that all the players in our orchestra have so much to learn – our level of playing is nothing compared to theirs, so it made me resolve to work harder and get better.”
“This performance was the most exciting performance I ever heard. Absolutely spectacular, an unforgettable experience.”
“The cellist played with such emotion. He went beyond the fingerboard ! It seems impossible to play so fast !"
“I have listened to a lot of classical music and watched many performances, but Interpreti Veneziani was the best ensemble I’ve ever heard. I think the Italian presence really summed up the whole performance. The Italian language flowed through the music !”
“The performance was spectacular – the music painted a picture and the way they played the music made the picture more alive.
An awesome performance - I noticed how they had eye contact with each other and played with so much dynamics and feeling, so expressively, and it looked like they were in such happiness and joyfulness as they played. Now I truly believe music is life !”
Comments from Mr. Peter Greenhill’s English class:
“Hearing and seeing the baroque Italian string ensemble Interpreti Veneziani was truly a wonderful experience. I especially enjoyed the cellist’s passionate playing, complete with violent head movements, flying hair, and a countenance of complete concentration and devotion to the task at hand.”
“I thought the Interpreti Veneziani was a fascinating group. They played really well, and all the soloists were amazing . . . I was glad to be able to be a part of this experience.”
“The cello solo was really amazing . . . I think we were very lucky to have seen such an amazing group of performers.”
“They make playing their instruments look effortless! The cellist’s solo at the end was absolutely amazing. They show that they’re really passionate about their music.”
A comment from a student who sat in with Interpreti:
"I took my seat next to the violist. Since neither of us could understand the other’s language, we both just smiled politely. When we began, I concentrated very hard on keeping up while my stand partner effortlessly played the string crossings and notes I stumbled with. My viola was drowned out by his huge sound. After a while I managed to keep up and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience. When we had finished, I smiled and nodded to the violist and returned to my seat. As they played their next piece, I realized how much I have to learn. The experience has humbled me, yet given me and even higher goal to reach for. I am extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity."
And one final response from one of the students who shared the stage with Interpreti:
"When Interpreti Veneziani started their first song, 'Summer,' I was captivated from the very first note they played to the last note they played.
I could feel the energy these musicans put into establishing the rhythm and the way they articulated their bows with the style of the music. I was surprised that the soloist could produce such a deep sound while playing so incredibly fast.
"When I played Corelli with them, I felt that my eyes were opened to the caliber of what great professionals sound like. As I was preparing the Corelli, I was mainly trying to get the notes. I skipped over the dynamics. But when I played with Interpreti Veneziani, those dynamics made all the difference between okay music and really good music. When we started to play, the violinist to my right was leading Blaise and me, and I was impressed with his high level of musicality and I started to copy his style and usage of the bow. I feel that playing with him next to me really raised my musical awareness and my musicality. While I was playing with him, I felt the notes on the page coming alive. I did not experience music in such an involved way before, and it felt exhilarating.
"I feel that playing with Interpreti Veneziani was really worthwhile for me because the exposure and chance to play with musicians of that caliber is not an everyday occasion and the experience is priceless. I feel that I became a better musician by playing with Interpreti Veneziani. In the short time I spent with them, I was able to pick up their attention to dynamics and their ability to synchronize with other members of the group. I was so impressed with the way that they all kept time, through body and bow movements. I’ve heard many groups playing in different genres, and I’ve heard many recordings of different bands, soloists, quartets, and orchestras. I think that of all that I’ve heard, Interpreti Veneziani had the most passion and brought the music to life the best. After listening to them I felt “Wow, this is what music should be!”
Thanks to the Tam & Young Arts Chair and to Honolulu Chamber Music Series for making this unique opportunity available to the students of 'Iolani.
