Bangalore International Centre’s week-long tribute to Women’s Day culminated in a flowing homage to the great composers of Vienna, as a multitude of attendees were enthralled by the spellbinding piano recital delivered by Marialena Fernandes. Her event, ‘Connecting the Generations’, showcased a spectacular array of piano miniatures deeply rooted in Viennese tradition. The gifted pianist captivated the audience not only with her extraordinary talents at the keyboard but also with her warm, approachable disposition, and her palpable eagerness to foster connections through music and camaraderie.
Born into a Goan family in Mumbai, Marialena was enveloped in a rich tapestry of culture from a young age. “Music was an integral part of our lives,” she reminisces fondly, recalling the piano that stood as a staple in most community households. The church choir was another avenue where the harmonies of life were sung aloud. Marialena’s home served as a vibrant hub, lively and welcoming to people from all faiths, echoing her school’s zeal for celebrating the mosaic of festivals observed throughout the year. “Where else can one celebrate such diversity?” she asks with a sense of pride that resonates with those familiar with India’s vibrant pluralism.
For Marialena, the tapestry of India calls to her soul, compelling her to return biennially. The street cacophonies, the vivid attire, and the tantalizing culinary experiences are unmatched treasures for her – in stark contrast to the issues of politics, pollution, and infrastructure she candidly acknowledges. Yet, it’s the smiles of ordinary folk, unabated by hardships, that beckons her most. They reflect a joyfulness she suggests is scarce in the West, despite its material abundance. “I come back for the warmth of the people,” she articulates, pinpointing the essence of her bond with her homeland.
Her commitment to music transcends performance. Marialena dedicates time in each city she visits to host workshops for burgeoning musicians. Her doctrine is straightforward: “Practice, practice, practice.” She urges young aspirants not to be disheartened by setbacks, encouraging perseverance over surrender, and to harbor concrete visions rather than vague dreams. Such dedication to guidance and sharing knowledge nods to the spirit of what her performances stand for.
At her recital, Marialena’s earnest introductions to her pieces exemplified her desire to share not just the sounds but the soul of the music she loves so deeply. By selecting compositions with a strong melodic component and reasonable lengths, she ensured their accessibility, drawing the audience deep into the fabric of music, allowing them to ride along with the waves of lush and intricate harmonies.
Marialena’s adopted home of Vienna was the inherent link between the composers she so elegantly played: Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and though less expected, Rachmaninoff. Each composer held Vienna in their creative hearts in different ways – Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms found it as a physical home, Rachmaninoff, a spiritual reverence.
The maturity of Beethoven towards the end of his career was palpably present in the Opus 126 Bagatelles she played; simplicity triumphing over complexity, with an implicit understanding that simplicity can sometimes convey deeper truths. Marialena captured Beethoven’s musical language with finesse, her light touch and strong left hand sculpting the intricate structures of conflict and resolution.
With Schubert’s 3 piano pieces D 946, Marialena whisked the audience through his life’s poignant agony, weaving it into his glorious melodies. The performance was a tender, moving journey through Schubert’s personal travails.
Rachmaninoff’s Preludes were greeted with an audible appreciation. Marialena’s skill shone through the expressive and sensuous melodies that held within them a romantic allure, while adhering to a disciplined classical structure. The Russian-born composer’s pieces showed off both her virtuosic execution and her ability to personalize the performance.
The recital’s finale featured Brahms’ Op 119, another set of pieces that, while small in form, required deep musicianship. Whether through delicate chords or grand rhapsodic gestures, Marialena traversed the emotional landscapes of Brahms’ final works, leaving the audience in silent admiration.
Marialena’s piano recital was not just a musical journey through Vienna’s legacy, it was also a testament to her charisma and warmth. Her performance was a gift to the senses, a narrative told through keystrokes that echoed the heartbeats of composers past. A synthesis of rhythmic elegance and musical mastery affirmed the evening as an unforgettable experience.
