Michele Cantatore – TERZA MESSA
English Version
Michele Cantatore is one of the most illustrious personalities that Ruvo has ever produced throughout its cultural history. A fine example of how culture can triumph over poverty, how light can dispel the dark, and how spirituality can overcome harsh situations. A rare model of how art and beauty can become vehicles for social advancement and freedom from the suffering and intractability of destiny. The composer’s connection with his local area is also important. The creation of a genuine tradition linked to the Christian community to which he belonged means that the music he composed is not the subjective expression of the writer, but a common heritage of faith and art. The 50 years of service to music that maestro Michele Cantatore accomplished is an example and encouragement for us all to live with consciousness and passion, to experience religious musical works with humility and austerity, without self-aggrandisement, without deceptive ambition, moved only by faith and the love of beauty, and with the ultimate goal of praising the Lord. Maestro Cantatore’s great concert came to an end in 2005, leaving the people of Ruvo greatly in his debt; this book represents a first small expression of our gratitude to him.