Presenting our musicians: Anthony Marini
Musician interview 13.9.2018
This person’s instrument can change from violin to viola da gamba or nyckelharpa and language from English to Finnish or French…. It’s not hard to guess which FiBO musician this is. Yes, it’s Anthony Marini!
Name
Anthony Marini
Instrument
Violin (and viola, viola da gamba, nyckelharpa, and a few other instruments)
Short introduction
I am a freelance musician who specialises in early music, working primarily in Finland and France. I am also FiBO’s “orchestra organiser”, which means that I am the orchestra librarian and manage logistics, along with a few other responsibilities. I am also a freelance translator, mostly from Finnish and French to English.
Tell us about yourself.
I am originally from Rochester, New York (USA), which is the part of New York farthest from New York City (around 535 km). Thanks to my musical mother, it was a rule in our family that all the kids had to study music of some kind until the end of high school, so we grew up with music in the house (although not all my siblings are professional musicians). I moved to Finland in 2010, and France became a part of my life starting in 2012. I have lived with one foot in each country ever since!
How did you end up with your instrument? Who or what made you choose it?
I began loving the violin when I went to an orchestra concert and heard the concertmaster play a violin solo. I was hooked from that moment, and the only thing I wanted for Christmas when I was five was a violin.
What inspires you as a musician and in life?
The people who surround me. I’m musically inspired by my colleagues all the time, and my life is full of inspiration from my family and friends.
What other art form is close to your heart?
I love painting, especially impressionism.
Which is your greatest musical dream?
I have two: 1) to play all of the Rosary sonatas (by H.I.F. Biber) in a concert series in a Lenten concert series of sacred music and 2) to direct a production of Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri, for single singers and chamber ensemble.
Which is your favourite travel destination, and why?
So far my favourite is Croatia (amazing beaches, wine, food, and not difficult to find a beautiful quiet area), but I love travelling and hope to find even more spectacular places in the future!
In what kind of a place does your soul find rest?
Fairport, NY, at home. And in sauna, of course!
How do you feel your art is affecting society at large?
Since it is such a personal experience for both performers and listeners, it gives one a chance to have a unique musical and emotional experience without the restrictions of everyday life.
Why do you enjoy playing music that is over 300 years old?
I love the curiosity and spirit of discovery that comes with playing early music. I also feel like the “historically informed” approach gives a great amount of artistic freedom, as well as many musical tools that have fallen out of use.
Choose your favourite among FiBO’s fall 2018 concerts and explain your choice.
So far, my favourite is Händel’s oratorio, Il trionfo del tempo e del disinganno. It’s a fascinating combination of beautiful music (some of which audiences have definitely heard before) and a special video installation that goes between displaying beautiful visual art and presenting a unique visual perspective on the performers.
Which is your guilty pleasure?
Perhaps playing folk music (although I don’t feel very guilty about it!). I grew up playing Irish folk music, and I have also had the joy of getting to know Finnish and Swedish folk music along the way.
If you had to run the Cooper test or bake for a party of 30 people, which would you choose?
Absolutely bake for a party of 30 people. I am not a fantastic chef, but I’m good at following directions!