By Prisca Sam-Duru & Vera Anyagafu

The standing ovation Italian pianist, harpsichordist, composer, and scholar Alberto Firrincieli received at the end of his piano concert at the Consulate General of Italy last Saturday was as loud as expected. It was well deserved for someone like Alberto, who has been conferred the title of Knight of the Star of Italy (Cavaliere della Stella d’Italia) in recognition of his distinguished contributions to music education and research.

It was a Piano Solo Concert with the theme, “Between Classicism and Romanticism.” And, Alberto played W.A MOZART Twelve Variations on “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman”, and A. RUBINSTEIN Sonata No. I in E minor, Op. 12 (Aliegro appassionato, Andante Largamente Moderato, Moderato con fuoco), which, according to the artiste, “was a Russian romantic composer. It was about 40 minutes pretty challenging piano Sonata.”
When he was done playing, the audience dominated by Mission heads, their families, and expatriates were all on their feet while simultaneously offering him a deafening applause. Also, in attendance were eminent Nigerians, including the Chairman of the MUSON Board of Trustees, Mr. Louis Mbanefo.

For Alberto, “Music is not only to be played, but to be understood, imagined, and lived.”

He explains what informed the choice of theme for the concert and what music means to him. “People think music is just about emotion. Actually, I disagree. It’s not about emotion only. It is about knowledge, awareness, reasoning, and thinking. These are the most important things. It is like a language. If you want to speak a language, you have to understand the meaning of words. So, it’s not only about emotions. Yes, of course, there are emotions, expressions, but more about knowledge, understanding, etc. That’s why one should focus on how to play the notes and what kind of sound. The point is that you have to focus on the meaning of the music. Music has a meaning, and that is what we have to search for and find. I am not talking about interpretation. It’s not about what I think; music has a meaning, so I have to focus on that meaning, so I need to know how to understand music first.”

Alberto began playing the piano when he was eight, and at 49 years, he has become the sort of pro that pulls audiences up from their seats to accord him a standing ovation after each performance. He has lost count of the number of performances he has had since he began playing.

Alberto has lived for over 20 years in Thailand, serving as an assistant professor in the department of Music Entrepreneurship at Assumption University of Thailand. He has also travelled widely to many Asian countries and now in Africa.

“This is my very first time in Africa,” the music artist said. Nigeria happens to be the very first country Alberto is visiting in the continent. “Nigeria is the first country that I am visiting in Africa. It feels so beautiful, so beautiful that I would like to come back again. Since I came into Nigeria, I have been working with MUSON centre, that is, the MUSON Orchestra, for about one week. I’ve also visited the University of Lagos and the Italian school,” he explained.

Alberto shares reasons he would like to come back to Nigeria after his tour of the country. “Everyone is so kind, so nice. The food is very delicious. So, this is a very beautiful country.”

The piano concert in Nigeria is part of his tour around the globe. “Last year, I did the same project in Indonesia. I worked with an orchestra for about one week, and in the end, we had a great performance. Following the success of that project, I contacted consulates. I am always supported by Italian institutions. So they liked the project and they invited me; that’s why I am here.”

Speaking shortly after the concert, Consul General of Italy in Lagos Ugo Boni praised Alberto for the amazing performance, disclosing that the Italian artist would be doing two concerts in Nigeria during his tour. “The first concert is the performance we have just enjoyed and the second will take place at the MUSON centre. The concert at MUSON centre is a different concert because it will be with the orchestra- Nigerian orchestra of young students.”
The CG added: “This is a project Alberto has done in many countries before coming to Nigeria. This concert is also the first of a series of events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, which holds 2nd of June this year.”