Our final Music at Lunchtime recital featured Ryan Hou playing a selection of music for tuned and untuned percussion, with accompanist Cason Kang on the piano.
The recital opened with the fourth movement of Boris Papandopulo’s Concerto for Xylophone, in which Ryan displayed his technical precision, not only in the movement’s energetic tempo but also during the intricate cadenza. This lively piece provided a vibrant start to the programme.
Ryan continued with Jill Jarman’s New Orleans Sunrise for snare drum and piano. Beginning with a relaxed tempo and a blues-infused piano accompaniment, the piece set a laid-back tone. A sudden shift to a syncopated, fast-paced section created burst of energy and excitement. The return to the more melodic opening brought the work to a satisfying close.
To conclude the recital, Ryan performed the first movement of Emmanuel Séjourné’s Concerto for Vibraphone, demonstrating a unique technique by using a violin bow to draw a smooth, resonant sound from the vibraphone’s metal bars. The atmospheric beginning and end of this piece offered a fitting and memorable conclusion to the recital.
Congratulations to Ryan for presenting such an engaging and dynamic programme.
The recording from this week’s concert is available online here.
Our next Music at Lunchtime recital will be after half-term and will feature Form 6 pupil Tomas, performing selections from West Side Story and Les Misérables as well as songs by Gerald Finzi and Schubert, accompanied by head of piano, Anne Bolt.
