Starting training early in life is essential to reach a high level of expertise in music, which is called a sensitive period in early childhood. This is very much visible in the Sao Tome Chapel, Panjim during special occasions when the Mass is sung with beautiful hymns and motets originally written by late Fr Martin Fernandes. Just a mention of Fr Martin and the residents have kind words but more importantly gratitude for teaching a generation of musicians and music lovers.
Fr Martin Fernandes from Neura, Ilhas, was born on November 12, 1929 to Joaquim Santana and Anna Joaquina Fernandes. He was the only brother to Carmina Fernandes. He started his musical career at the age of seven under the able guidance of maestro Fr Lelis de Souza, a renowned Goan music composer and professor of music at Rachol Seminary. Fr Martin was a member of the St Cecilia Band led by maestro Fr Lelis and played violin, trumpet, requinta and french horn. At Rachol Seminary, Fr Martin was appointed the official organist at the proposal of maestro Fr Sebastiano Luis.
In Panjim, Fr Martin Fernandes founded the St Cecilia Music School in the early 1970s, which was recognised by the Government of Goa along with the choral group of St Cecilia. He was the Founder Director of St Cecilia Music School.
He was a member of the Diocesan Music Commission and has been appointed official member of DAC (Local Audition Committee) for Western Music attached to the Station of All India Radio, by the Director General of All India Radio. He was also a member of the General Council of the Kala Academy appointed by order of the Government of Goa.
Fr Martin published a Christmas Carols book in Konkani script and music. He also published and staged two operas, ‘St Thomas Life’ and ‘Life of Fr Joseph Vaz’ in Konkani. Fr Martin has to his credit compositions of several religious hymns, masses and motets in English and Konkani. He was awarded the prestigious State Award for Western Music by the Government of Goa for the meritorious services rendered by him in the field of Western Music.
Architect Neville Monteiro was the next door neighbour of Fr Martin, who gave Neville a role in the opera, ‘Life of Fr Joseph Vaz’. “I fell in love with music because of Fr Martin. I learnt the violin and solfeggio and he even made me sing ‘Veronica’s Song’ which is usually sung by a female voice. For that era, Fr Martin was always open to new ideas. We still sing the Ters for the rosary for the feast of Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Anne. Sao Tome is one of the few chapels where all the services are sung.”
He is survived by his niece Marcelina and her husband Francis Gonsalves. He was hugely saddened by the early demise of his beloved nephew, Serafino, who was also his student. One of his last ventures in the field of western music was the formation of the St Cecilia Chamber ensemble as the conductor and director. He was the Chaplain of Sao Tome Chapel, Panjim for nearly 30 years until his passing away on February 14, 1998.
Andrew Rodrigues who still plays the violin at Sao Tome Chapel says, “Fr Martin was a very humble person yet a strict principal and it is because of his scolding that we learnt music so well. He taught youngsters hymns for St Anne, Sacred Heart of Jesus and even motets for Lent which he composed. We are still keeping these traditions alive and I would like to give credit to late Carlos Costa from Colva, who was our very dedicated teacher and Fr Borges, who would call out to me and take me by my hand and make me sit on the bench in the music class and that is how I got the ear for music,” says Andrew.
Dr Luis Dias remembers coming back to Goa as a child from Germany in 1970 and after a year of classes by a private tutor joining the first batch of St Cecilia Music School in the vicinity. “Fr Martin was a well-known musician and he even composed hymns like, ‘Natalachim Porbhi’, ‘David Patxea Xarant’ and ‘Little Infant Jesus Born’ which we sing till date in the chapel,” reminisces Dr Luis.
The residents of Sao Tome have very fond memories of him. Tomorrow, Wednesday, February15, he will be remembered in a very special way at with a special Mass in the Sao Tome Chapel at 6 pm.