Using Music to Celebrate Life: A David Bellugi Tribute
A Bach Telemann concert to honor the memory of David Bellugi (1954–2017), with a performance of selected pieces from these baroque German composers, will be held on September 28 at Florence’s Church of Santa Felicita (9 pm). Georg Philipp Telemann’s Du aber, Daniel, gehe hin (Trauermusik) and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Gottes Zeit, ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus Tragicus) are some of the compositions included in this classical program and will be performed by an orchestra, choir, and soloists.
Alfonso Fedi and Francesco Rizzi will work together to conduct this free concert, with the purpose of highlighting Bellugi’s accomplishments and his contributions to the Cherubini Conservatory. Born in the USA and a graduate of Applied Musicology at the University of California at San Diego, the musician dedicated himself to the study of flute and rediscovery of ancient compositions.
His reinterpretation of lost styles helped create an understanding of pre-classical music and new, innovative ways to read the music. Bellugi worked as both a soloist and participant in a variety of orchestras, but he thoroughly enjoyed using his enthusiasm to excite students and encourage their talents at the conservatory.
The chosen baroque pieces reflect the event, because mourning is the theme. In Trauermusik, Telemann grieves over an unknown prominent figure and includes the last passage in the Book of Daniel from the Old Testament, demonstrating the parallels between religion and death. The cantata winds together in an intimate, but sorrowful way, with a complex arrangement that makes this funeral composition unique.
Actus Tragicus by Bach is also a funeral cantata juxtaposed with verses from the Old and New Testament and funeral hymns, to express the belief that there is a God after death. The vocal parts and a small ensemble unite to musically express the ascension into God’s kingdom.
The location of the concert in a church is a fitting location to absorb the spiritual aspect of the pieces, while celebrating the life of Bellugi. Admission to the concert is free and open to all people who want to experience these compositions in their intended setting.
The Cherubini Conservatory of Florence and the International Organ Academy Giuseppe Gherardeschi have collaborated to present the concert.
