The 'King's Own' : a pioneering Maltese band club 1874-1927

Abstract

The Maltese people have been dominated by many different conquerors along the years, and these have left their influence on them, from the Romans, to the Knights of the Order of St. John, to the British, with no exceptions. Even a simple activity like music was influenced. The bands in Malta seem as indigenous to the islands; in fact there is at least one band club in every town and village; however the band clubs as we know them today and with their brass instruments were also influenced by the military bands. There are even many bands in the Mediterranean region, as we shall see in the visits which the Maltese band King’s Own organized abroad. Music in Malta before the advent of the philharmonic societies was played in churches, as sacred music, and by some musicians in the streets. Confraternities were one of the few social hubs of Maltese societies. These were religious and charitable organizations, where people from the same trades came together. Before the band clubs existed there were about 240 of these confraternities. In these confraternities people could meet, talk and help each other. With the opening of band clubs people had other alternatives where to meet with people. The band club was more civic and lay, however many times it had a direct link with the parish and the feast. In the 18th century musicians used to play the bag pipes, the tambourine, the rabbaba, the żafżafa and the brass drums in the streets and on special occasions. On the other hand on official occasions, like the reading of the Bandu or the investiture of a Grand Master or of a Bishop, instruments like drums and even trumpets were used. This shows the different types of instruments used by the different social classes. Brass instruments were used mainly for official occasions, while the common people mainly played instruments made of wood and animal skin as these would be easier and cheaper to make. The existence of the popular bands can be seen in the greetings of the Governor More O’Farrell. In fact O’Farrell came to Malta on 18th of December 1847, and he was celebrated and welcomed like a prince because he was the first civil and Catholic governor to Malta. A stage was set up in Piazza Tezoreria ( later known as Piazza Regina) and a popular band was playing. By the 18th century the population was growing and moving to urban areas. Many people were new to the urban life and were in need to socialize with their fellow townsmen. With the coming of the French and British there was more regimental music. Bigger groups of people were formed to play together; instruments were starting to be made of brass and more anthems, marches were played and even Italian opera music. Bandsmen in uniform with polished buttons were performing in the main streets of Valletta and the Parade Ground (later the Arena Indipendenza) in Floriana giving a free show to the public who used to admire them. Maltese people were also being employed in such formations as the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment, the Artillery Corps and the Royal Malta Artillery. Many Maltese acquired positions such as band Sergeants and made a career as bandsmen. This development of regimental bands and musicians was affecting ordinary musicians who played on occasions such as weddings and baptisms. The musicians in the streets were complaining that the Fencibles were allowed to play in weddings, baptisms, churches and theatres, and they were left with hardly any work. At the same time there was an influx of Italian musicians who played a variety of instruments such as flutes, violins and harps. These Italians came to Malta mainly because of the Risorgimento which was happening in Italy at the time. The means of communications were increasing and a lot of influence came from the nearby Italy with its Risorgimento.