March 3rd 2018
Despite heavy snow, the Music Scholars and Exhibitioners put on an outstanding Scholars’ Concert in the Tindall Recital Hall last night. The very poor weather conditions prevented there from being the usual large audience, but both the Headmaster and the many members of school staff who were able to attend the concert were treated to music of the highest calibre.
The Wind Quintet’s performance of the first movement of Danzi’s Quintet in G minor provided a strong opening to the concert which, one and a half hours later, finished with Close Harmony performances of Java Jive and Who’s got the last laugh now? The solos and duos which contributed the lion’s share of the music during the rest of the evening saw too many fine performances to be mentioned individually, though those given by the Upper Sixth, in their penultimate term, were particularly distinguished.
Joss Nelson’s (U6e) performance of Strauss’s Andantewas moving in its musical integrity, while Jordan Berry’s (U6a) colourful performance of Dulla sua from Mozart’s Don Giovanni once again showcased the magnificent tenor range which is increasingly powerful throughout his voice. Sam MacDonald (U6c) performed Brahms’s famous Rhapsody in G minor, Op 79 no. 2 from memory, the piano responding to his impassioned and quick performance. Poulenc’s Élégie, for French horn, is a less well-known work but Ben MacLean (U6b) gave a stunning performance which brought it to life and ably demonstrated the full range of the instrument. Will Thorne (U6e), on the alto saxophone, combined technique, musicianship and flair in his performance of Planel’s Prelude and Saltarelle, complete with a dramatic cadenza linking the two movements.
Peter Folkes (U6a), also on the saxophone, gave an evocative and detailed performance of Maurice’s Tableaux de Provence No. 5 while Charlie Smith (U6g) gave a graceful and wonderfully romantic rendition of Widor’s Romance (from Suite for flute and piano Op 34 no. 3).
No concert would be complete without a moment of popular Classic FM repertoire and, of course, a little light music. James Pyman (U6e) provided the popular classical moment with a well-rounded and crowd-pleasing performance of Elgar’s Salut d’Amour Op 12 on the ‘cello and then, as something of an encore, Charlie Barker (U6b) and Harry Vincent (U6g) sang Me and my shadow with piano and bass rather than the ubiquitous Swing Band.
