For this week’s lunchtime concert, we were treated to a sensational singing recital by Form 3 music scholar, Evie. Evie performed a complex programme of music by Ivor Gurney and Roger Quilter.
Evie began with two songs from Gurney’s Five Elizabethan Songs: Under the greenwood tree and Spring. Evie displayed great vocal control during dynamic changes and fantastic articulation, meaning the audience could experience the full impact and atmosphere of the pieces. Evie brought the cheerful and exciting mood of the pieces to life with great confidence and clarity.
We were then lucky to hear the entirety of the Seven Elizabethan Lyrics song cycle by Quilter. The song cycle takes you through a journey of many emotions as Evie describes in her programme notes: ‘The style and mood changes with each new song – you are taken from a lilting lullaby (Weep you no more, sad fountains) through to sweet, thoughtful love songs with beautiful metaphors: Hardly my mind supposes/whether the roses be your lips, or your lips the roses (Damask roses); and then on to slow, brooding melodies and magical key changes in By a fountainside, with an epic finale (Fair house of joy) ending this incredible emotional journey of music.’
These Wednesday recitals are always a weekly highlight and this week was no exception. Evie performed with great musical maturity and confidence – well done!
