Concert at “Sala dei Giganti”
Tuesday, September 3rd
The Concert
We are delighted to offer a special concert to the participants of BeLI24, providing a refreshing interlude to the intellectual rigor of our sessions. This musical performance will feature a talented ensemble of musicians, each bringing a wealth of experience and artistry to the stage. The repertoire has been carefully curated to include a selection of classical compositions specifically written for small ensembles, showcasing the intricate interplay and rich harmonies that this format uniquely affords.
In contrast to the grandeur of orchestral concerts, this intimate setting will allow attendees to experience the music in a profoundly personal way. The close proximity to the musicians will enable the audience to appreciate the fine details, subtleties, and nuances of each piece. This concert will not only highlight the technical prowess and expressive capabilities of the musicians but also foster a direct and meaningful connection between the performers and the listeners.
As the music unfolds, you will be able to witness the seamless blending of tones and the dynamic exchanges that define chamber music. This rare opportunity promises to be a memorable and enriching experience, offering a perfect harmony between scientific exploration and artistic enjoyment.
The Place
Sala dei Giganti originally belonged to the Palazzo dei Carraresi (from the name of the da Carrara family that governed Padua in the 14th century). This great hall gets its name from the size of the figures – personages of Ancient Rome – depicted in the frescoes found within. The original cycle, now lost, was inspired by Petrarch at the invitation of Francesco I da Carrara, whose guest he had been previously, on the basis of his “De viris illustribus”, recounting the lives of illustrious men in the history of Rome. The first decoration of the hall, completed a few years after Petrarch’s death (1374), is attributed to either Altichiero da Zevio or Jacopo Avanzi.
Among the personages portrayed was Petrarch himself, posthumously: His portrait is the only one of the older cycle that has survived to this day. The hall was completely renovated in the 16th century. A new cycle of frescoes was completed around 1540, by Domenico Campagnola and his collaborators, in which the theme of two centuries earlier was taken up again, albeit with some changes to some of the subjects depicted.
Sala dei Giganti housed the University Library from 1631 to 1912. The frescoes were restored to their original splendour during recent work, completed in 2008.
