The realm of classical music has been illuminated by a celestial body: Maria Rago and her enchanting tribute, ‘Lady M Day of Hundred Candles’. A heartfelt homage to Mary B. Galvin, an iconic figure in Chicago’s arts scene, this masterpiece goes beyond conventional boundaries, paying respect to visionary women who charted the course of time.
An ode of such grandeur naturally demands an exquisite voice to carry its melodic essence. The ethereal soprano Laura Gómez rises to the occasion, delivering an enthralling performance. The track has been expertly sculpted by Rago’s composition, coupled with Alessandro Rivolta’s sound engineering brilliance.
Experience the genius behind the composition and video on Youtube, here.
Maria Rago’s ‘Lady M Day of Hundred Candles’ is far more than a sonic journey; it’s a tantalizing adventure into a new realm of artistic expression. This enchanting piece extends beyond the auditory and plumbs the depths of multisensory engagement, inviting the audience into a world where sound, sight, and emotion intertwine seamlessly.
The accompanying music video stands as a testament to this immersive approach. A vibrant visual symphony, the video showcases breathtaking drone shots that lend an aerial grandeur to the narrative. The ethereal figure of a ballet dancer poised atop a mountain, swaying gracefully to the rhythm, brings the powerful orchestration to life in a sublime fusion of dance and music.
The color scheme, too, plays an integral role in defining the tone of this visual spectacle. A compelling medley of orange, red, purple, and blue, the gradient hues dance across the screen, mirroring the music’s dynamism while the choreography ensues in the foreground in several different shots. This vivid palette creates a mesmerizing tableau that complements the music, painting a spectacle as captivating to the eyes as it is to the ears.
Rago’s virtuosity coupled with the performance by everyone involved is unmistakable, its deep, resonant notes stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. It’s almost as if she’s engaged in an intimate dialogue with the choice and composition for each instrument, the conversation ebbing and flowing with breathtaking fluidity. Coupled with the stunning choreography, Rago’s musicianship creates a mesmerizing ballet of sound and movement.
The lyrics echo the same profound sentiment. A repeated praise of the name ‘Mary’ evokes a beautiful imagery, painting her as a beacon of light, a gift to those who love her, a treasure enriching the lives she touched. This simple yet powerful lyrical theme forms the beating heart of the composition, a tribute to the extraordinary spirit of Mary B. Galvin.
Rago’s own story with music began late but has been deeply transformative. Her journey started at the age of 24, an encounter initiated by Elgar’s Cello Concerto on a November evening. Despite initial discouragement, her passion led her to become a steward of music, guided by her mentors Lea Cumbo, Eliodoro Sollima, and Philippe Schoeller.
Rago’s music draws influences from across time, showcasing her musical spectrum. She reveres J.S. Bach for his divine connection and names twentieth-century composers like H. Wolf, F. Poulenc, and N. Rota among her inspirations. But it’s not just classical figures who have shaped her; she acknowledges a diverse set of influences, including the rock band Metallica and musician Frank Zappa.
With ‘Lady M Day of Hundred Candles’, Rago gifts her audience an auditory refuge away from the daily chaos. The freedom to immerse oneself into the depth of sound, to let it guide one’s feelings and thoughts, is the experience she seeks to provide.
As the final notes of ‘Lady M Day of Hundred Candles’ fade away, it becomes evident that this is but one chapter in Maria Rago’s ongoing symphony. Rago’s musical odyssey continues to unfold with a fascinating array of projects on the horizon. One such venture is an opera, where she draws inspiration from the life and faith revolution of Paul of Tarsus, immersing her listeners in a historical and spiritual exploration.
Another intriguing work in progress is a soundtrack for a short film examining the enigmatic disappearance of the Italian scientist, Ettore Maiorana. Beyond these compositions, fans eagerly anticipate the release of her upcoming CD ‘Lady M’ and a series of concerts set to grace stages in New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and London. These upcoming endeavors underscore Rago’s unceasing devotion to her craft, demonstrating the breadth and depth of her creativity.
However, Maria Rago does not perceive herself as a static figure in the musical landscape. Instead, she embraces the identity of a ‘work in progress’. This humbling self-concept frames her relationship with music as intimate yet ever-evolving. She believes in the autonomy of creations, reminding artists that their works live independently, shining their own light. From her perspective, the role of a composer extends beyond mere creation; it involves entering a realm where the invisible becomes visible through musical notes. As she beautifully puts it, a composer becomes “a spectator among spectators,” forever learning and growing from their art.
To experience the magic of Maria Rago, follow her on Website, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or listen to ‘Lady M Day of Hundred Candles’ on SoundCloud.
