Many, particularly those of a certain generation, recall The Greenfields singing about "Il-Banda Ta’ Indri." This song, released by the trio in 1975 on Electro Records as a single, featured "A Song Of Love" on the B-side. But how many of us truly know the story behind "Il-Banda Ta’ Indri" and who Indri was?
Born in Valletta on January 7, 1818, Andrea Borg, better known as Master Indri, was a remarkable figure in Maltese musical history, despite facing the significant challenge of losing his sight at the tender age of two. The son of Salvatore Borg and Antonia née Bonello, Indri was struck blind following an accident, a tragedy that could have easily hindered his potential. However, instead of succumbing to his disability, Indri developed an extraordinary aptitude for music, which not only defined his life but also left an indelible mark on Malta’s cultural heritage.
From a young age, it was evident that Indri possessed an exceptional musical talent. Even as a child, he could distinguish between different instruments being played during church services, demonstrating an innate understanding of music. Recognising his son’s potential, Indri's parents arranged for him to study under one of Valletta’s most esteemed conductors, Maestro Rull, who was also the Maestro di Cappella at the Co-Cathedral of St. John. Under Maestro Rull’s guidance, Indri first learned to play the flute, known then as the 'flejguta', and later, the clarinet, which became his favoured instrument. His passion for music extended beyond just learning to play; he became proficient in numerous instruments, including the guitar, and eventually took up the role of conductor and music teacher.
Remarkably, Indri’s blindness did not prevent him from composing music. He devised an ingenious method akin to the Braille system, using wax balls of different sizes attached to raised staff lines, which allowed him to compose without ever having seen a musical score. He would create melodies by feeling the staff lines with his fingers and placing the wax balls to represent musical notes. Once he had finished composing, he would dictate the music to someone who would transcribe it onto paper.
Indri’s compositions were varied and prolific. He wrote hymns, marches, dances, and sonatas, and his first hymn, dedicated to St. Dominic, was performed in 1860. Other notable hymns were dedicated to St. Philip, St. Publius, St. Andrew, and Our Lady of Liesse, with the verses often penned by prominent literary figures of the time such as Zammit Brighella, Professor Cesare Vassallo, and Antonio Crescimanno. In 1854, Indri also dictated a comprehensive treatise on music in Maltese, spanning 150 pages, which discussed harmony, scoring, and counterpoint, serving as a commentary on an 1854 work by another author.
In addition to his contributions as a composer, Indri was a skilled organ repairer and restorer. Among his notable projects was the restoration of the organ at the Mdina Cathedral and the meticulous dismantling and reassembly of the 1037 pipes of the organ at St. Paul Shipwrecked in Valletta, a task that took him two years to complete.
Indri Borg also made a significant impact on Malta’s band music scene. According to historian Pietru Pawl Castagna, Indri founded the first musical band in Malta around 1860, which later became known as "Il-Banda ta’ Indri." This band, comprising about sixty musicians, many of whom played string instruments, performed at various significant events, including weddings and village festivals. Indri’s reputation as a bandleader grew, and he was instrumental in the development of several other bands across Malta, including the St. Philip Band in Żebbuġ and the L'Isle Adam Band in Rabat.
Despite his numerous achievements, Indri’s life was marked by hardship. He remained poor throughout his life, a stark contrast to the fame and recognition his musical talents brought him. He passed away in poverty at St. Vincent de Paul Elderly Hospital in Luqa on March 15, 1903, at the age of 84. Yet, his legacy endures, particularly in the realm of Maltese band music, where he is remembered as a pioneer who overcame his blindness to contribute significantly to his country’s cultural heritage.
Indri Borg’s life and work offer an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His ability to transcend his disability and make enduring contributions to Maltese music underscores the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Today, his name is synonymous with some of the earliest organised bands in Malta, and his innovative methods of composition continue to be a testament to his genius.
Bibliography
Castagna, Pietru Pawl. Storja ta' Malta.
Dun Salv. Storia del Zebbug e sua Parrocchia, 1881.
Faure, G. Storja ta' Malta u Ghawdex, Volume IV.
Ganado, Herbert. Rajt Malta tinbidel.
Miceli, Joe. Il-Banda ta' Indri.
Scerri, Victor. Master Indri Borg: Il-Banda ta' Indri jew il-Genju ta' Indri.
Schiavone, Michael. Dictionary of Maltese Biographies, Vol I.
Bejn Kliem u Storja, miklem, 14 June 2018.
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