Fernandez, Barbieri in Filfest’s riveting concert

The country’s leading marimba player Dena Fernandez enthralled the audience in a concert under the auspices of Filfest headed by Vicky F. Zubiri.

Dena demonstrated mastery of the seldom played instrument in “Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra.” Composed by Guatemalan Jorge Sarmiento, and rendered for the first time here, the piece consisted of lively rhythms and rich melodies which Dena interpreted with notes nimbly struck over the entire keyboard, with repeated changes from two to four “sticks” in rapid or slow rhythms, lyric or dramatic passages, in fascinating expressiveness. Admirably assisting her was Ruggero Barbieri who wielded the baton over the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Conducted by the Maestro, Puccini’s Tregenda (second act) from the opera ballet Le Villi, followed by Arturo Marquez’s Danzon No. 2, conveyed exuberant passion. With the cohesive strings giving out intense, vivid colors., the second number’s thunderous, overwhelming finale ended in a soft, pianissimo line.

In the 4th movement, allegro con fuoco of Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony, and Saint-Saens’ Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, both fiery and tumultuous, the Maestro captured their essence in the most vigorous, vibrant manner, his vitality undiminished throughout.

The listeners were utterly regaled and entertained by Nino Rota’s “Symphonic Suite,” being music for the movies, particularly the  lambent, languid languorous Titoli for The Godfather. Abelardo’s beautifully melodious Mutya ng Pasig earned long, lusty applause which led to two encores: a Filipino song and Titoli.

The riveting concert will be followed by Filfest’s other enticing ones: Duetto with cellist Victor Michael Coo and pianist Rudolf Golez, July 12; Viva Vivaldi with the MSO, Sept. 13; Classical Crossover with violinist Joseph Brian Cimafranca, Nov. 8. For inquiries call Marie at 5853823.