This week’s Music at Lunchtime recital was given by Form 7 pupil Will who performed a varied selection of vocal solos, accompanied by Cason Kang.
Will began with ‘Lord God of Abraham’ from Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio, Elijah. His powerful rendition captured the piece’s dynamic and tonal contrasts, mirroring the prophet Elijah’s fervent supplication to God. This dramatic opening set the tone for the recital, highlighting Will’s ability to convey profound emotion through music.
Next, Will performed ‘The Vagabond’ from Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel. Drawing from Robert Louis Stevenson’s poetry, this piece depicted the steady march of a traveller embracing his journey. Will’s interpretation brought out the piece’s nuances, demonstrating his skill in creating a rich, dark vocal tone across his range.
Shifting to a lighter mood, Will sang ‘Hope’ by Jason Robert Brown from How We React and How We Recover. This piece, written in the aftermath of the 2016 US Presidential Election, offered a message of optimism and resilience. The simplicity of the piano accompaniment and the emotive, free-flowing vocal style made for a heartfelt and moving performance.
The recital continued with ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ from Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Les Misérables. Will’s connection to this piece was evident, previously portraying Marius Pontmercy in Oakham School’s production of the musical. His delivery of the song’s poignant and sorrowful themes resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing his ability to express raw emotion and extend his vocal range.
Concluding the concert, Will performed ‘Shiksa Goddess’ from Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years. This high-energy, dramatic piece narrated Jamie’s determination to pursue a relationship despite familial and religious constraints. Will’s spirited performance brought the recital to a lively close, leaving the audience thoroughly impressed.
Congratulations to Will, who performed his programme with great emotion and depth.
The recording from this week’s concert is available online here.
Next week’s Music at Lunchtime concert will be given by Form 6 Music Scholar Evie, who will perform music by Bach, Schubert & Mozart and mélodies by Chausson & Poulenc.
