This week’s Music at Lunchtime recital featured Form 6 flautist Shonali Banerjee, with Form 6 violinist Lizzie Wyer demonstrating the versatility of their instruments and their ability to collaborate in a variety of styles.
The recital opened with Boismortier’s Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, a graceful example of Baroque chamber music. The performers brought vitality to the Vivace, exchanging lively, imitative lines with precision and clarity. The Allegro was floating and spirited, emphasising the interaction between the instruments, while the concluding Aria provided a moment of lyrical calm. Here, the flute’s sweet tone and the violin’s warm resonance were beautifully balanced, capturing the expressive elegance of the movement.
David Baker’s Nocturne, No. 6 from Six Poèmes Noir offered a striking contrast. Its introspective and contemplative mood was conveyed through Shonali’s fluid phrasing and subtle dynamic control. The silences within the piece were as meaningful as the notes, creating moments of quiet tension that were both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Johannès Donjon’s Offertoire, Op. 12 brought the flute into focus, showcasing Shonali’s ability to sustain long, lyrical phrases with an even tone. The interplay between flowing melodic lines and technically demanding passages created a captivating sense of contrast, while Mr Kang’s accompaniment added depth and richness to the performance.
Köhler’s Insects’ Dance was a lively highlight, vividly portraying the darting movements of insects. Shonali delivered the rapid arpeggios and dynamic contrasts with precision and flair, bringing the buzzing and fluttering to life. The light-hearted nature of the piece was balanced by its technical demands, making it a standout in the programme.
The recital concluded with Delibes’ Flower Duet, an instrumental arrangement for flute and violin of the iconic piece from the opera Lakmé. Shonali and Lizzie captured the duet’s lyrical beauty, with the flute’s ornamented lines blending seamlessly with the violin’s warm, supportive tones. The performance conveyed the serene and enchanting atmosphere of the original, bringing the recital to a reflective and satisfying close.
Both performers demonstrated not only technical mastery but also a nuanced sense of collaboration, allowing each work’s character to shine.
Our next Music at Lunchtime recital will be on Wednesday 22 January 2025 and feature Form 7 pupil Freddy Astill with music for guitar by Jeff Buckley, John Mayor, Rob Scallon & The Stranglers.
