Les Menezes relishes the music feast surrounding the celebration of Beethoven’s birthday in Goa

The week before Christmas took flight on the wings of music with Ludwig van Beethoven and his contemporary Franz Schubert smiling happily at the bright performances of their lively music entertaining appreciative Goan audiences at Kala Academy, DMK Hall on Monday, 17 December and at the Beethoven statue at Siolim on Tuesday 18 December. Ludwig van Beethoven was particularly pleased because it was his birthday on 16 December and four professors from the Vienna University of Music and the Performing Arts had journeyed to Goa to celebrate his 237 th birthday. Mariaelena Fernandes (piano) had enthused Heidrun Lanzendoefer (flute), Gottfried Pokoeny (bassoon) and Wolfgang Klos (viola) with this enterprising odyssey.

There were two other concerts on 18 December – the fast emerging Goa State Symphony Orchestra at Kala Academy and the pupils and friends of Philomena D’Cruz at Moira. Too many riches on one day!

The event at Siolim acquired a festive atmosphere, very much like a Prom Concert at the Albert Hall, London. In Goa, of course, the warmth of people coming together and their enthusiasm and friendliness carried our Viennese visitors into superlatives of appreciation. The ambience of the setting and the lucid acoustics were ideal. Mariaelena recalled in a glowing voice as the reminiscence flooded in: “When I first set foot on this glorious place, two years back on New Year’s Day, way past midnight, not very sober after many celebratory drinks with school mates, it was overgrown, the statue green with neglect, fingers missing. The mention of snakes in the undergrowth sobered me with a jolt and I vowed to return to perform at the statue.”

The people of Siolim, under the leadership of Alexyz, Wendell Rodricks and the neighbours have created a shrine to this great composer. The fingers were restored and a shining faced young Beethoven dressed in white stands elegantly on his pedestal, knowing proudly that he was the only statue in India and perhaps in Asia to have this honour. Concerts last year and this year by visiting Ensembles bringing the composer’s music alive in this unique venue has established a new Goan tradition which our dedicated Goans will develop into more ambitious ventures. The flame has been lit; the passion will ignite.

The showcasing of Goan talent was an inspiration. Three young violinists, who easily exceeded expectations, brought wide-eyed wonder to the faces of our visitors. And our 92 year old violinist amazed the audience with youthful performances of two popular waltzes. Special arrangements which pulled in the talents of Rui Lobo (guitar) and Michael Kellet (violin) added to the interactive spirit of the evening.

Perhaps there was one sour note in this evening of sweetness. The yogic Beethoven “ Om” was an unnecessary waste of time delaying the late start and making us lose our Chief Guest from the Fundacao Oriente before the rousing Finale. Mariaelena stepped into the spotlight with an unusual performance of Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” weaving marches, waltzes, Konkani melodies, whatever, in the Beethoven refrain. Her pizzazz with this crossover improvisation was a total delight. And of course, Christmas carols were the icing on the celebratory musical feast.

The Pro Musica Concert on 17 December was dressed more formally but the works were once again in a thoroughly enjoyable vein with Beethoven taking pride of place. The voices of the instruments in their exciting lively arrangements played with gusto and loving care cast a spell on the keen audience. The modern Viennese composer, Michael Rot gave the flute and the bassoon ample opportunity to portray the characters of the scurrying high voiced mouse and the slower deep toned teddy bear, an unlikely duo coming together delightfully. The performance of two rarely heard works – Schubert’s “Arpeggione” Sonata played lyrically on the viola and the “Glassharmonica” quartet by Mozart were memorable experiences.

Goa is so fortunate to attract to its shores such delightful music making. And both Pro Musica (January) and the Guitar Guild (February) have unusual events featuring outstanding foreign artists planned for us in 2008. Music is always in flight in Goa.