History of the Grandola Music Corps
The history of the Grandola Musical Band is a tale of a passion that has spanned generations, intertwining with the events of the land and its people. Born in the 1932 thanks to the enthusiasm of Luigi Gandola, the band experienced moments of great momentum, overcoming economic difficulties, World War II and the social changes that marked the twentieth century.
Between tradition and renewal, the commitment of the teachers and musicians has enabled the Music Corps to accompanying the life of the community with its melodies, a symbol of aggregation and cultural identity. However, in 1986, the band permanently ceased its activities, leaving behind an important legacy, which today is preserved in the Val Sanagra Museum of Villa Camozzi.
This story is not just the tale of a musical group, but a reflection of a community that, amid enthusiasms and difficulties, has always tried to give voice to its culture through music.
One thousand nine hundred and thirty: these are years of heartfelt agonism. Decade in which Italy competes in countless fields: the legendary Atlantic crossings, the world sports championships, as well as initiatives of various sorts, all radiating from the center to the periphery.
In this area in Grandola ed Uniti, the Corpo Musicale was founded in 1932. It is mentored by "el Lüisin" Luigi Gandola, the Maestro, who has an engaging personality, gathers about 80 young people eager to give "body" to the Musical Band.
The first lessons are given but, as often happens, the first difficulties also begin. Oh my, these are physiological normalities in this regard, one is reminded of some nice anecdotes inherent in, also, the financial problem.
It seems that some good spirit has leveraged the emulation between two "village personalities": the physician, Dr. Raffo and the mayor Gian Giacomo Corti. If the former offers a considerable amount the latter, not to be outdone, equals.
Band members, past the normal musical learning would like to try their hand at "square" but, there are no instruments. El Lüisin, wise belligerent, knows that the "Börgg Band" has old instruments that it is well willing to give to the fledgling Grandola Musical Society. The bellagini instruments are the first endowment of the new Grandola musicians.
On Jan. 1, 1933, for the town's contrade participated in the first debut with cordial exchanges of auspicious symbols, with podesta in the lead.
The Band and its music also gives cue to "Italic diversity." It seems, so it is said, that the very reverend Mr. Provost Don Clemente Sala, is not in favor of band participation during the various religious services, or, at any rate advises with paternal firmness the pieces that are to be played.
Our Lüisin, who intends to reach the goal, transcribes and arranges with guitar the tunes that accord with the provost's wishes. Eureka!
The Band performs secular and religious pieces according to events. Beautiful success: music overcomes all obstacles, wins and cheers.
Some ten years have passed, on and off, and unfortunately 1942 is an inauspicious and tragic date.
The conflict results in the call to arms of the components as well. The "Band," is deprived of its men, awaits mute suitable times.
After peace was achieved, the music corps resumed its operation in 1947 its activity and put into question in the late 1950s.
This time it is the labor shortage that forces the young and old to look for work elsewhere and to a special extent abroad.
During the 1960s an improvement in employment was felt in the provincial district and also, in neighboring Ticino.
Our Band feels the need to "be heard," but aside from not a few logistical uncertainties, the biggest trouble is the Master. Lüisin's health is no longer "good." The iconic man cannot be available.
We know that the ways of Providence are and remain endless. Thus another Grandolese Joseph Selva, not oblivious to Lüisin's tenacious teaching, takes it upon himself to revitalize our Band.
The Beppe is determined to carry out his program. Elements who had for various reasons forfeited must be replaced. He gives course to a school of musica which, over the years, will churn out new gangly elements.
Not least, indeed, the tangible contribution of the new "president" commendator Michele Lino Guaita.
Heartening the spirit and pecuniary availability, the "Band" wins successes and is present in every event in the country with its enjoyable popular arias or, the classic Symphonies so musically fulfilling for our fellow citizens.
And we are at the 1978 less than comforting years. Discrepancies of various natures emerge first among others: lack of innovative will first element for the well progress and improvement, inattention among the members, the students since, the latter, desert the school and the band activity. Because of this, 1980 is the year of almost total closure.
During the year 1981, a group of "friends" put forth a valiant attempt at revival.
They regroup about 20 elements. They seek, with renewed spirit, solutions to the not a few problems.
The following year the "Band" is a new reality entrusted to Luigi Tenca, unfortunately, due to work commitments, the current "maestro" leaves the podium. He takes over, conducting, Franco Marchese, an acclaimed clarinetist and saxophonist.
The same organizes with the support of Darius Horizon, a school course for student musicians.
A dormant passion seems to be rekindled among the young recruits but, it seems a recurring nemesis, even this revival is otherwise no more than a fatuous fire. Desertion from rehearsals, in vain turn out good examples and reminders from the Master that from the board, when the will is lacking every effort turns out to be immense. 1986 is the year of the end.
Representatives of the Corpo Musicale di Grandola, deliver to Mayor Natale Butti the goods and instruments belonging to the "corps" that for years represented an authentic popular culture of this Comasco municipality.
Currently, the historic instruments have found a worthy home in the halls of the Val Sanagra Museum, based in Villa Camozzi.
