Following the masters
The Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival will today, February 14, host a concert of Baroque music. The rhythmic tunes will be a real treat for all Bach followers, on Valentine’s Day at the St Monica Church, Old Goa. NT BUZZ catches up with violinist, Leo Rossi who will be playing tunes that promise the audience an enchanting evening
Janice Rodrigues | NT BUZZ
Q: Whenever someone thinks of western classical music, it is very natural to think of Baroque style of music. How easy or difficult is it to recreate music from the genre and the masters?
In my experience I have to say that ever since I was a child I used to hear baroque music on CDs and concerts and I knew instantly that I would love to become a specialist musician in the baroque period. So, when I finished my higher studies in Seville, Spain, I went to Holland (The Hague) to learn baroque violin with Elizabeth Wallfish. I found it very exciting to play the ornaments and improvisations according to that period. It is like a game, enjoying each note of the partitur! When I started playing Baroque music on the violin, it was very difficult initially, but then I got really passionate about the music and now it comes very easily. I used to play romantic music also, but with Baroque I feel more comfortable.
In my experience I have to say that ever since I was a child I used to hear baroque music on CDs and concerts and I knew instantly that I would love to become a specialist musician in the baroque period. So, when I finished my higher studies in Seville, Spain, I went to Holland (The Hague) to learn baroque violin with Elizabeth Wallfish. I found it very exciting to play the ornaments and improvisations according to that period. It is like a game, enjoying each note of the partitur! When I started playing Baroque music on the violin, it was very difficult initially, but then I got really passionate about the music and now it comes very easily. I used to play romantic music also, but with Baroque I feel more comfortable.
Q: What according to you is the appeal of this kind of music?
The music is very rhythmic and full of different moods. It is a very exciting and fresh genre of music, even though it was played centuries ago. There are a lot of contrasting notes and you can have a variety of dances to go with that music.
Q: When did you learn music and what led you to be drawn to the violin?
I have an older brother who learned to play the guitar. I would hear him practice and wanted to play the guitar too. My parents enrolled me for music classes where I began playing the piano. My mother then suggested I take up the violin, which I did. I started playing the violin at the age of 11. My parents always liked classical music and took me to concerts, in that sense my music education started much before I went to the conservatory. I have been playing the violin for over thirty years now and it has now become my life. We are a like couple. When you’re passionate about something, you have to compromise and make it possible. The sound of the violin is so heart-warming, it kept me going; I love the expression of the instrument. When you play at concerts, you have listeners coming up to you and telling you that the music has touched their heart, this appreciation keeps me going.
The music is very rhythmic and full of different moods. It is a very exciting and fresh genre of music, even though it was played centuries ago. There are a lot of contrasting notes and you can have a variety of dances to go with that music.
Q: When did you learn music and what led you to be drawn to the violin?
I have an older brother who learned to play the guitar. I would hear him practice and wanted to play the guitar too. My parents enrolled me for music classes where I began playing the piano. My mother then suggested I take up the violin, which I did. I started playing the violin at the age of 11. My parents always liked classical music and took me to concerts, in that sense my music education started much before I went to the conservatory. I have been playing the violin for over thirty years now and it has now become my life. We are a like couple. When you’re passionate about something, you have to compromise and make it possible. The sound of the violin is so heart-warming, it kept me going; I love the expression of the instrument. When you play at concerts, you have listeners coming up to you and telling you that the music has touched their heart, this appreciation keeps me going.
