The Goan motet is quite simple and largely homophonic in nature and was written taking small phrases from the passion narratives of the Gospel. This method of singing is an excellent way of meditation, that helps the biblical phrase to sink down in the heart and mind of the listener. The motet-song can be considered something unique in Goa as it was introduced by the European Jesuit missionaries and developed from the 16th century.
These motets were sung during the santos passos, or penitential processions that were held in the parishes with large-sized statues depicting the sufferings of Jesus. If one wants to experience this form of singing in this Lenten season, it is best to head to Our Lady of Piety Church, Divar, at 6.30 pm, today, March 16 as the Lenten musical concerts ‘God still loves the world’ will be led by Maria Fabiola Lopes e Fernandes, a Divar-based musician and music teacher.
“The Lenten motets as Goan tradition must be encouraged, supported and continued always in the hearts, minds of young and old. They depict the Passion of Christ’s suffering. The Biblical text played and sung repeatedly touches one’s soul and heart allowing repentance from sin and suffering,” says Maria Fabiola Lopes e Fernandes, written the Lenten music arrangements.
The participants are Benjamin Monserrate, Simone Pereira, Andrea D’Souza, Kimberly Almeida, Ransley Rodrigues, Daisy Serrao, Shanaya Serrao, Flannan Ferrao, Kimberly D’mello, Sheena Alfonso, Myron Pereira, Anthony Azavedo, Anishka D’sa, Roy Menezes, Chriselle Fernandes, Fredy Fernandes, Megan Menezes, Esther D’mello, Cloney Vaz, Deann Furtado, Rick Serrao, Rossma Serrao and Fabiola Fernandes.
On March 17, they will perform at Santa
Monica Church, Old Goa at 6 pm for a duration of 45 minutes. The motets are ‘Sao Pedro’ written by Antonio Rozario Gonsalves and ‘Konxasondhicho Fator’ written by Fr Joe A Rodrigues with hymns
like ‘God still loves the world’, ‘Papaianche X’ratinni’, ‘Come back my love’ and A Capella style ‘Devache Xellie’.
“Motets are enriching and captivating, indigenous Goan traditional music composed by Goan maestros. They enable one to feel and imagination of Jesus’ wounds. In Divar, the 30 minutes concert will include a skit based on the motets, prayer dance and a short brief on motets. At Santa Monica Church, Old Goa, it is a 45 minutes concert which includes the motet, ‘Judas’ written by Antonio Rozario Gonsalves and a brief on the history of motets,” says Maria Fabiola.
On the same day, March 16, another performance will be by the Stuti Choral & String Ensemble, directed by Parvesh Java and with concertmaster Eshvita Menezes, will see the performance of pianists Nadine Jo Crasto and Smit Shah, vocal soloists Rahul Bharadwaj and Farah Ghadiali and string ensemble leaders Judyline Fernandes, Chernoll Mendonca, Natsalene Estrocio, Syanna Fernandes, Saranga Cooray and Karen Coelho.
“The Stuti Choral and String ensemble will give its fifth performance of Brahms’ Requiem on Saturday March 16 at 6.30 pm at the Church of St Cajetan. Brahms is considered by many to have brought the romantic movement of the nineteenth century to its pinnacle and the Requiem is his longest work and incidentally, his own favourite from his oeuvre. It is also considered one of the most challenging works in the choral literature because the choir sings almost throughout for 70 minutes,” informs Parvesh Java, the conductor of Stuti.
The accompaniment has been arranged for strings and piano 4 hands specifically for Stuti by Parvesh. “The soloists for the evening are Farah Ghadiali and Rahul Bharadwaj, both regulars in the Goa concert scene. The highlight of the evening will be Vienna-based Goan pianist Marialena Fernandes, who will open the concert with Brahms’ last compositions for solo piano: four contemplative pieces from opus 119,” adds Parvesh.