MF Batons EN – Myriam Farina – Direttrice d’orchestra

My deep passion for woodworking originated more than fifty MF conducting batons that I made entirely by hand over the course of nearly five years.

From my first experiments with natural woods, moving through the use of carbon fiber and ultimately landing on custom finishes, the love and technique I placed into the creation of these batons has given each one its own personality and uniqueness; my research on balance, resistance and manufacturing techniques have always been accompanied by a poetic inspiration or a philosophical ideal, thoughts and actions that have reached their climax in the making of the latest series: Tears. Each MF baton is a small masterpiece of engineering and art, sometimes a direct expression of pure beauty, sometimes an iconic symbol of the values and ideals that guide and inspire me.

Tears

These are the five conducting batons featured in this new series. Each one is named after the emotion that shaped it; each one is the representation of a tear. Similar to each other in their shape, tears are the organic representation of the deepest yet most different emotions. This series is a tribute to the human nature in its many facets, in the concreteness of its most authentic and spontaneous manifestations, the same ones that moved the souls of the great composers in their creative act (their works, their own existences), the same ones that shape us as Maestros and dwell in us as human beings.

Transgression

Here it is. Finally portrayed in its vivid splendor, Transgression is the representation of the question, the heart of the doubt from which action arises. In its 38.5 cm (15,15”) length with perfectly centered balance, a coppery ring joins the wood of the juniper, with its pinkish color and purplish veins, and the wood of the linden tree of which the shaft is made, then enameled in the same color as the former, which recalls the skin tone. While apparently its name seems to refer to the unconventional shape of the handle and the unusual color of the shaft, this baton brings with it a deep reflection on the evolutionary significance this action has for the individual and the community. To transgress means to act beyond convention, to cross the limits imposed by a norm; in the words of Italian philosopher Galimberti, "Transgression is unleashed toward the limit that enchains it". Many great discoveries, many wonderful works have come to light because of the infringement of a norm, and many rights have been won. This is wonderfully and naturally what we have been doing for centuries and what we keep on doing, as long as what seemed forbidden, unacceptable, unusual turns into possible, stimulating and then ... normal. Yes, we are the transgressors of conducting: women who study and decide to pursue this career, but also the artistic directors who cast them, all the men and women who choose to welcome us and acknowledge our relevance in this role as well. There will always be distinctive characteristics peculiar to each genre, and I believe that this diversity is a value to be preserved, no longer a price to be paid. The norm we are transgressing is that which forces us into a scale of judgment in which the unit of measurement is gender rather than our artistic merit. Transgression isn't just a conducting baton, it is a symbol I chose to create as a tribute to our daily and constant action, looking ahead and being aware, as History teaches, that this is the route to a great progress. Private collection.

Ecstasy

Apex of the series and the result of the combination of art and science, Ecstasy is a small engineering masterpiece born from the desire to experiment with new construction techniques, achieve unprecedented designs, and generate an authentic and perfect balance. Linden is the only wood it is made of, the same linden tree that blooms in early June, inebriating with its intense scent the entire center of the city where I lived for twelve years, Parma: this event marks the beginning of summer and for me also a new birthday. The handle of this baton is made up of an assemblage of various hand-painted and later carved wood segments; the shaft, also made from linden and then varnished, rises from the bottom end of the handle, on which it's visible as a the head of a flower growing around it: lots of petals that, rising to the shaft, stretch upward and then rejoin around a copper-colored ring. The balance of this baton, which is 38 cm long (14,96”), is at the center, and there are no other elements that make it up besides wood: a praise of proportion and harmony. Ecstasy is the baton that's present, but not fatiguing, firm but never heavy, and supports the gesture as a natural extension of the arm. You'll never tire of admiring it and holding it in your hand. Private collection.

Resilience

One of my favorite materials couldn't be missing in this new series: maritime pine bark. Also used in cosmetic laboratories for its properties (immune system stimulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action, etc.), this bark is similar (to the eye) to wood, but like cork, is incredibly light and has very high absorbent and "non-slip" properties. The as-made handle has two faces: one reveals the innermost and youngest side of the bark, characterized by concentric rings that, on the opposite face, are filled with mottling, typical of the older and outer layers. The finishing with only natural oils and many hours of sanding brought out every shade of color in a wide reddish-brown range. An emblem of endurance and a vehicle of nourishment, this surprising natural element fascinates for essence and meaning. The wooden shaft, painted in the characteristic milk-white color, completes this 38-cm-long baton (14,96”), forward-balanced for a stunning legato at the tip. Tough and relentless, Resilience is the perfect companion for any adventure. This baton was created for Maestro …

Euphoria

Exaltation, irrepressible desire to immerse yourself in the orchestral sound, goosebumps and a hint of yearning for grandeur? All right, Euphoria is the baton to you! The largest in the series in every aspect, with a length of 41cm (16,14”), shaft diameter of 5mm (0,19”) at the base, and a large but not excessive handle (2.4 cm - 9,44”- maximum diameter); designed in great detail, Euphoria is a baton "of substance" and certainly doesn't pass unnoticed, but thanks to a slightly forward shifted balance, is easy to handle and surprisingly versatile. This is made possible thanks to the choice of materials that not only gives it a lively aesthetic, but also makes it firm and well balanced. The handle consists of a segmented wood piece I created by joining multiple layers of fir, some of them hand-painted, resulting in a four-sided design: two striped and two concentrically ringed. Five brilliant colors sparkle from the thus realized veins: cobalt, green, straw yellow, magenta and carmine. A golden ring connects the handle to the painted beech wood shaft. Euphoria is a triumph of colors, a blast of enthusiasm! The ideal companion to look to the future with courage and optimism, and even a touch of craziness!

Passion

The first baton of the series has a striking natural color due to African padouk, a fine wood with a deep red color. The wooden shaft is rigorously hand carved and then painted white; a small golden ring joins the two different woods at the precise point of balance. Total length 40 cm (15,74”). Lightweight but strong at the same time, Passion has a full body which, however, does not overburden the movement and allows a prompt response at the tip. This baton was created for Maestro Margherita Colombo.

Planets

Planets is a MF batons series of limited edition, born from the desire to make the already well-known and widely used round handle more than special. Experimental, almost "Martian" materials, new lengths, "aerodynamic" balances, design with elegant shapes and arcane charm: these are the characteristics that make this series truly unique.

Moon

The first I present to you pays homage to our satellite, inspiring muse of countless artists: stoic and unconquerable, her candor welcomes those in need of asylum, pilgrims on imaginary journeys who, by venerating her, transfigure uncertainty into mystery.

Venus

The Second planet of the Solar System, Venus is the lady of sunrise and sunset: in this series the homage to her could not be missed. Not a simple essence, but 10 layers of fir wood with different processes embrace the rainbow chromatic range of the veins of this very particular segmented wood made by me. Lightweight and versatile, Venus has a slightly forward balance with good toe rebound; the balance of shapes, essences and weight give it absolute agility!

Mars

The Red Planet vibrates in the essence of maritime pine bark, while linseed oil enhances its rich color and vivid veins. A blue dot, like a small eye, symbolizes a pole and from its opposite comes the perfectly conical wooden shaft. This baton is 38 cm (14,96”) long and its balance is forward, like its look to the future.

Mercury

The first Planet in the Solar System inspired the essence of this incredible baton: like at its surface rich in different substances, the essences of woods, glass and enamels bind together without ever blending; the result is a truly incredible balance: weight well distributed over the entire length with an excellent rebound at the tip. Personalized initials are engraved on a walnut wood inlay. Made on private commission.