Ġawhar Misjub: Antonio Nani ( 1842-1929)

The production ‘Ġawhar Misjub – an Operatic Banquet’ includes operatic excerpts by different Maltese composers highlighting Malta’s rich heritage in operatic music. In this article one can learn more about the composer Antonio Nani ( 1842-1929).

Antonio Nani was born in Valletta in a prominent family of musicians. He studied in Malta under the tutelage of his father and furthered his studies shortly in Naples where he started composing his Laudate Pueri. Nani wrote a variety of sacred works, one of which describes the Shipwreck of St Paul (Messa del Naufrago).  

He only wrote three operas, Zorilla, I Cavalieri di Malta and Agnese Visconti. Both the opera I Cavalieri di Malta and Agnese Visconti were performed at the then Royal Opera House, Valletta (Teatru Rjal) and Nani’s compositions were quite historical because it was the first time that Teatru Rjal produced a work by a Maltese composer.  

Although Nani composed these operas during the British reign, the thematic notion of the Knights of Malta, suggested the island’s devotion to the Catholic church as if to suggest the Italianate political stance. The premier of this work was a triumphant success due to the beautiful melodies and well executed plot. The duet written for the characters Ugo and Regina is a clear indication of Nani’s Italian musical influence as it seems to remind the listener of the duet from Verdi’s La Traviata and the Rigoletto’s famous quartet. 

‘Ġawhar Misjub – An Operatic Banquet’ will premier on the 27th of May 8 pm at St.Agatha Auditorium , Rabat.

Book your seats now for FREE by following this link or scanning the QR code beneath.