This Wednesday’s Music at Lunchtime concert brought us a fantastic recital by Emily, an accomplished Form 4 violinist.
Emily began with Haydn’s Allegro moderato from his Concerto in G, Hob. VIIa/4. The Concerto was written in the 1760s, and opens with sharp chords and ends with a cadenza that repeats themes from the first section of the movement. It has become one of Haydn’s most famous violin concertos. Emily wrote, “I find this music quite poetic as the melody of the violin part sounds like it is singing. I can picture a quiet and beautiful afternoon with a number of ladies socialising, almost like the music is the background of a picture.” Emily successfully portrayed the cantabile quality of the movement, demonstrating her mature musicality.
Emily followed with Brahm’s Allegro grazioso movement from Sonata in A major, op. 100. She wrote, “The Sonata for Violin & Piano in A major that I am going to play today poses challenges to execute successfully, given the need to show its balance of lyricism and virtuosity. This music reminds me of the different stages of love and sorrow. When I play this piece, I have to depict a few different characters through the movement. I think that makes this piece interesting to play and listen to. It is always great to learn how composers express different feelings in one piece of music.” Emily certainly managed to overcome the challenges posed to produce a musical and skilful performance.
The recital concluded with Hoe-Down by Copland, originally composed for the ballet Rodeo in 1942. Hoe-Down demonstrates both the excitement and power of the cowboys and cowgirls in western North America. Emily packed a punch for the final piece of her recital, bringing much energy and rhythmic accuracy to this challenging work.
Congratulations Emily.
