Quintet Lluís Vives – Music therapy for the senses
“Music soothes a baby’s weeping, it motivates athletes to an optimal performance, it allows people to relax “. Thus states the fundamental principle of this wind instrument quintet. The quintet was set up in 2009 from the Symphonic Orchestra of the Balearic Islands and was a finalist in the Sixth International Competition for Wind Instruments. This distinction catapulted “Lluis Vives“ into being one of the leading quintets in Spain. The musicians perfected their ability under the direction of maestros such as S. Azzolini, J.E. Lluna, B.Fromager, H. Schellenberger and R.Vlatkovic. And received additional support from musicians such as Salvador Brotons, Josep Burguera, David Tomás y Xesc Crespí. Lluis Vives’ repertory includes carefully selected pieces from all eras, from classic to modern. We have let the musicians speak for themselves Mayte Abanques (flute), Carlos Fortea (oboe), Silvia Insa (clarinet), Josep Tatay (fagot) y José Francisco Fortea (horn).
What does it mean to you to play this kind of music? It gives us great satisfaction. It’s a small group so it’s easier to hear yourself and coordinate the tone. There is also a large collection of compositions for wind quintets.
When did each of you begin to play music? We all come from Valencia and from a young age between seven and nine years old we began to play and became part of the well known “Bandas”, or Chapels.
Who chooses the pieces? We decide together. That’s one of the advantages of playing in a chamber music group, you play what you want with whom you want.
Over time does a desire for musical change occur? We have been and are loyal to our style, however within this we are delighted to make variations. Depending on the type of concert, we highlight some particular subtleties, like for example, an audio visual presentation with a narrator, or we include a light sound like Bossa Nova or Charleston.
Are there well known favourites among the compositions or the composers?We don’t favour any particular composer over another but we are delighted to play works by Poulenc and Jean Francaix.
Do you still feel nervous before a performance? No, more like respect for the music and the individual and collective commitment to always give the best of ourselves. For us it is very important to be relaxed. Before going on we always hug each other in order to meld our energy. What type of music do you like most in private? We listen to practically anything, as long as it’s of good quality and well interpreted.
How would you describe your instruments? Our instruments belong to the woodwind family. We believe that each musician should have basic knowledge of the piano because in our opinion it‘s the most perfect instrument.
What are you inspired by? By the eternal and permanent pleasure of playing music.
