Inkontri is the name of a new CD to be launched at Vilhena Palace, Mdina, tomorrow. It marks the beginning of a joint artistic project between one of Malta’s finest musical talents, Renzo Spiteri, and one of our best-known poets, Joe Friggieri. This cross-artistic collaboration – the first of its kind in Malta – seeks to present poetry in an innovative manner by merging it with music, combining in this way two of the most popular forms of artistic expression.
A number of poems from Prof. Friggieri’s prize-winning collections, Intervalli and Kadenzi, have been carefully selected and integrated with the music to reflect aspects of everyday Maltese life and customs, while evoking the beauty of the natural environment faced by the constant threat of overdevelopment.
The music has been specifically composed for the CD and will be performed live by Mr Spiteri, each piece deriving its inspiration from the text and giving it a contemporary interpretation of great immediacy and power. The poems will be recited by Teresa Friggieri, Ninette Micallef and the poet himself.
A vast array of percussive instruments from all parts of the world, and others locally produced, combine with the human voice to add a new dimension to the seductive simplicity of the verse. Together they manage to convey a wide range of emotions, where moments of meditative mystery alternate with passages of great dramatic intensity to create the most exciting aural journey of meaningful sound. Poetry was originally intended to be recited loud and in a public space. This is what had inspired the two artists to collaborate and embark on this joint venture. The idea was born about five years ago when they performed live at a poetry evening at the residence of the French ambassador in Żebbuġ.
Inkontri is a result of that initial encounter. It has 24 tracks, 12 of which will be performed at the launch.
Due to limited seating, entrance is strictly by invitation. Those wishing to attend are asked to call the organisers on 9949 0815 or send an e-mail to contact@musiconnectmalta.com.