This week our Music at Lunchtime recital featured a selection of our talented strings pupils performing trios and quartets by Dvořák, Mendelssohn and Grażyna Bacewicz, accompanied by Head of Piano, Anne Bolt.
Opening the program, Nicola, Joshua, Elsa, and Isabelle performed Dvořák’s String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 51, also known as the Dumka Quartet. The ensemble brought Dvořák’s unique dumka style to life, alternating between lyrical, expressive passages and lively, dance-like sections, providing the audience with an engaging portrayal of the composer’s homage to Czech folk music.
Next, our youngest performers, Harriet and Emma, accompanied by Ms. Bolt, performed Mendelssohn’s Andante Con Moto Tranquillo from Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49. Their performance was graceful and expressive, capturing Mendelssohn’s lyrical style and evoking the movement’s pastoral charm with sensitivity and poise.
Concluding the program, Lizzie, Maya, Evie, and Mrs. Holland presented Grażyna Bacewicz’s Allegretto – Allegro giocoso from her Quartet for Four Violins. The group skillfully navigated the movement’s interwoven lines. This demonstrated Bacewicz’s playful contrasts and energetic textures, which kept the audience thoroughly engaged.
Well done to all the performers for a polished recital.
The recording from this week’s concert is available online here.
Our next Music at Lunchtime recital will feature a sibling duo, Grace and Joshua, playing music for piano and violin by Beethoven, Elgar and Monti.
