An interview with Davide Monti

Prepare to be transported into a world of musical enchantment as Davide Monti returns to Melbourne for our concert, The Italian Devil Returns. As part of the program, you’ll witness a mesmerising performance of The Devil's Trill, a legendary piece that has challenged and captivated musicians for centuries. This sonata is considered a technical and musical Everest for violinists, with its demanding trills and dramatic tension.

We asked Davide Monti about his personal approach to interpreting this iconic piece and why it’s so difficult. Discover how Davide's unique musical journey and collaboration with his fellow musicians will bring this masterpiece to life.

What is the Devil’s Trill?

The Devil's Trill is a milestone of the repertoire for violin and for the history of music. The title of this sonata comes from the story of the dream described by Jérôme Lalande. In this dream the Devil plays an incredible sonata to Tartini, and he is so fascinated by this piece that he tries to reproduce the best sonata he could, remembering what the Devil played for him.

It is a sonata composed in the first half of the 18th Century, not clear exactly when. It is very idiomatic of the stylistic language of Tartini.

Why is it so challenging for violinists?

The characteristic element of this sonata is the use of the trill, a musical formula, in which 2 notes are repeated alternatively very rapidly, and this is happening in different positions, on different intervals, mostly in the last fast movements of the sonata (Allegro). The execution of this trills is demanding, and the tension of some of the sections of the piece require promptness and virtuosity for every notch of the execution.

The slow movement also requires dramatic tension where there are many double stops (2 or 3 notes together).

How do you approach it and how is it different from other violinists?

As with every piece, each musician experiences the piece with their own baggage of culture, physical and psychological attitude, and with a good amount of intuition that they have been trained to trust in. I vibrate with this piece with my very personal frequency, I convey the story with my personal taste and intuition on how and when every note needs to be played, together with the people that play the piece with you. This is a fantastic process in which the piece becomes alive its second time, after being composed, through the intervention of mediums (musicians) that, thanks to their vibration, helps the public to vibrate at the same frequency and be in contact with the idea of the composer. The objective is to resonate, to feel, and to let our inner memories to awaken from the art that is performed.

My way is just my way; I have my stories and my memories, and together with Jacky and Josie, we will help the public to vibrate together with us, and meet in the magic moment when art happens.

Don't miss this unforgettable concert. Secure your tickets today and experience the magic of Davide Monti's music. Limited seats are available, so don't delay!

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

We can't wait to see you there!

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