Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1870

Death

:

1934

 

Robert Samut was a Maltese composer and musician who was born on the 28th of February, 1869, in the town of Valletta, Malta. He was the son of a musician, and his father was his first music teacher. Samut showed an early interest in music, and by the age of 10, he was already playing the violin and the piano. Samut's musical education continued at the Royal Opera House in Valletta, where he studied under the Italian composer, Maestro Luigi Caruana. He also studied music theory and composition with the Maltese composer, Carlo Diacono. Samut's talent as a composer was evident from an early age, and he began to compose his own music while still a student. In 1887, Samut joined the Malta Band Club, which was one of the most prestigious musical organizations in Malta at the time. He quickly became one of the leading musicians in the club, and he was soon appointed as the conductor of the band. Samut's tenure as the conductor of the Malta Band Club was marked by a series of successful concerts and performances, which helped to establish his reputation as a composer and musician. Samut's compositions were heavily influenced by the traditional Maltese folk music, and he often incorporated elements of this music into his works. His most famous composition, the Maltese Folk Song Suite, is a collection of traditional Maltese folk songs arranged for orchestra. The suite was first performed in 1922 and has since become one of the most popular works in the Maltese classical music repertoire. Samut's other notable works include the Overture to the Opera "Il-Kredu", which was first performed in 1912, and the March "Il-Banda San Ġorġ Martri", which was composed in 1920. Samut also composed a number of hymns and religious works, including the hymn "O Mary, Our Mother", which is still sung in Maltese churches today. Samut's contributions to Maltese classical music were recognized during his lifetime, and he was awarded the title of Maestro di Cappella by the Archbishop of Malta in 1929. He was also awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1935 for his services to music. Robert Samut died on the 3rd of August, 1934, at the age of 65. His legacy as a composer and musician continues to be celebrated in Malta, and his works are still performed by orchestras and bands throughout the country. Samut's contributions to Maltese classical music have helped to establish a unique and vibrant musical tradition in Malta, which continues to thrive to this day.

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