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Wind bands are common around the world, and the small Mediterranean island of Malta is no exception. Their abundance in Malta testifies to the popularity of the wind band tradition among the locals. It is central to everyday life, particularly during the village feast, which is synonymous with Maltese bands. These ensembles are not made up merely of performers and musical instruments but encapsulate a rich and intricate tradition embedded in the local community.
This book describes the history and development of Maltese wind bands, social and political values, the Maltese march, entertainment, and the recording industry. Chapters demonstrate how local communality, partisan political division and rivalry, foreign influences, continuation of past practices as well as the introduction of new ones, and other interests have coalesced to shape the contemporary Maltese wind band tradition.
List of contents
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Abbreviations
Glossary xiii
Foreword by Jonathan P.J. Stock
Introduction: Malta-History, Tradition and Music
1.¿The Maltese Wind Band Tradition: An Historical Survey
2.¿The Past in the Present: Spaces, People and Music
3.¿The Maltese Feast Band March: Innovation and Conventionality
4.¿Wind Band Music as a Political Expression in Malta
5.¿The Wind Band and the Maltese Recording Industry
6.¿The Wind Band as a Medium of Entertainment
Conclusion: What Does the Future Hold for the Maltese Wind Band Tradition?
Afterword by Stephen L. Rhodes
List of Band Clubs in Malta
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Simon Farrugia is a music educator at Malta's Ministry of Education and a lecturer within the School for Educational Studies at the Malta Leadership Institute, where he teaches courses revolving the topic of education. Some of his notable projects include a TV documentary series on world music and a co-authored book related to Maltese historical anthropology, among several other publications in music education and ethnomusicology. He also forms part of the RILM (Repertoire International de Litterature Musicale) Malta National Committee.
Summary
On the Mediterranean island of Malta, wind bands are found in great abundance. There, the wind band tradition is central to everyday life. This work discusses a multitude of topics relating to the history and development of wind bands, including Maltese social and political values, and the island’s entertainment culture and recording industry.
