This week’s final Music at Lunchtime recital featured a delightful programme performed by Form 3 music scholars Prince and Ethan, with accompaniment and arrangements by Mr. John Mountford. The recital offered a diverse mix of classical, contemporary, and seasonal works, demonstrating the talents of these two young musicians.
Ethan opened the concert with Vivaldi’s Largo from Winter (The Four Seasons), a serene and expressive piece written in E♭ major. His performance captured the lyrical beauty of the work, navigating its challenging high notes with poise.
Prince followed with Tune for Joey by Andy Hampton, a ballad full of expressive phrasing and intricate semiquaver movement. His warm tone and control brought this modern saxophone piece to life.
The duo then joined forces, with Mr Mountford, for Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 from the Suite for Variety Orchestra. Originally composed as part of Shostakovich’s film music, this arrangement for saxophone, violin, and piano emphasized the elegance and charm of the piece.
Prince returned to the stage to perform Squiffy’s Song by Nigel Woods, a jazz ballad that explores the higher range of the saxophone. The piece’s playful and lyrical qualities were conveyed beautifully in his performance.
Ethan followed with Howard Blake’s iconic Walking in the Air from The Snowman. His rendition highlighted the calm, ethereal quality of the music, with the challenging high notes handled with finesse.
The recital concluded with Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, a lively and festive trio featuring saxophone, violin, and piano. This upbeat arrangement brought energy and joy to the concert, leaving the audience in the holiday spirit.
Congratulations to Prince and Ethan for their engaging and polished performances.
The recording from this week’s concert is available online here.
Our next Music at Lunchtime recital will be on Wednesday 8 January 2025 and feature our talented Piano Faculty, performing a selection of piano pieces for four to eight hands. All recitals for the Spring Term will be held in Oakham School Chapel.
