Schubert’s Piano Sonatas: Poetry in Music

Francis Camilleri

Aula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia, St George’s Basilica

Schubert’s music emanates from song.  This is not only a reference to his large collection of songs but also to his instrumental music.  Schubert’s music sings like no other but, despite his universality, his Piano Sonatas remain neglected.  In 1928, the year of the centenary of Schubert’s death, Rachmaninoff admitted to Cesar Saerchinger that he had not realised sonatas by Schubert existed.  Even today, few of his sonatas are programmed.  Thus, it seems fitting to examine certain of the prejudices that still prevail against these works.  Particular attention will be given to his late works, especially the G minor Sonata, arguably his most intimate.

Francis Camilleri formally commenced his pianoforte studies with Lucia Micallef and continued his tuition with Karen Briscoe, obtaining his Licentiate from the Royal Schools of Music with distinction. He also took regular lessons with Vanessa Latarche at the Royal College of Music, London. Francis graduated from the University of Malta under the tuition of Michael Laus, and has participated in master classes led by John Lill, Mikhail Pethukov, and Young-Choon Park, amongst others. Francis was coached in harmony and counterpoint by Joseph Vella, Malta’s leading composer. He has performed in the most important venues in Malta and in prestigious festivals, with recent performances including the Grieg Piano Concerto during the opening concert of the Victoria International Arts Festival, Bach Concertos at Teatru Manoel as part of the Valletta Baroque Festival, and Brahms’ Horn Trio with Laura Marzadori, leader of the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra, also at Teatru Manoel. Francis has also recently worked as a répétiteur, collaborating with renowned artists such as Gregory Kunde, Barbara Frittoli, Miriam Gauci, Sophie Bevan and Gianluca Terranova, amongst others. Francis is a member of the Laudate Pueri Choir and the Victoria International Arts Festival organising committee.

Seat reservations are recommended by sending an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt.