The final lunchtime recital this Spring term featured two Form Seven singers Lucy and Pien. Both singers kept the audience engaged through their range of repertoire featuring French Art Song and Gilbert & Sullivan.
The first song of the recital The Spirit’s Song by Haydn, sung by Pien, created a dark and mysterious atmosphere through a flowing, melismatic melody line. Pien’s clear pronunciation and placement of the word ‘Hark’ made for poignant moments. Les Roses d’Ispahan was a very challenging and expressive piece describing a garden’s flowers and scents. Pien’s final song, Les Chemins de l’amour was based on a playful waltz. Her use of portamentos, ornaments and expressive gestures used added to the dancing nature of this song. Beautiful performance of indulgent repertoire – well done Pien!
Lucy opened her performance with Ridente la calme by Mozart features a da capo of the first section of the aria. This song pictures a lover longing for their partner and Lucy displayed this through her wide range of ornaments and precise melismas. Her clear tone allowed for precise melodic movements to be heard. Das verlassene Mägdelin was sung with peaceful thought as the slow melodic lines revealed themselves. Lucy’s final song was unlike her other repertoire as she became ‘Mabel’ in Poor wandering one from Pirates of Penzance. This song required good breath control and support needed for repeated high notes. Lucy’s performance exhibited her musical virtuosity and should be very proud of her achievements.
This Lunchtime Recital was an incredible end to a busy term at Oakham School.
