This week our Music at Lunchtime recital featured a sibling duo, Form 6 pupil Grace and Form 4 pupil Joshua, playing music for piano and violin by Beethoven, Elgar and Monti.
The recital began with Beethoven’s Romance in F Major, one of the composer’s most cherished works for violin. Composed during a period of personal struggle as Beethoven faced the loss of his hearing, the piece reflects both lyrical grace and contrasting dramatic intensity. Joshua and Grace performed with sensitivity, effectively conveying the sweet, flowing melodies alongside the bold, march-like middle section.
Next, the duo presented Edward Elgar’s Chanson de Nuit, Op. 15 No. 1. A lesser-known gem among Elgar’s works, this haunting piece unfolds with a gentle, nocturnal quality. Grace and Joshua brought warmth and elegance to their performance, highlighting the subtle beauty of Elgar’s harmonic writing and leaving a strong impression on the audience.
The programme concluded with Vittorio Monti’s Czardas, a lively and virtuosic piece inspired by Hungarian folk dances. The performers navigated its dramatic shifts in tempo and mood with precision, capturing both the melancholic and animated character of the music. This dynamic finale was a fitting end to an engaging recital.
Congratulations to both our performers for their poised and accomplished recital.
The recording from this week’s concert is available online here.
Our next Music at Lunchtime recital will feature Form 7 pupil Halle, performing songs by Roger Quilter as well as selections from West Side Story, The Girls of Summer and Oh, Kay!, accompanied by Cason Kang.
