A Feast of Music at Piano Promenade

The Piano Promenade was a celebration of brilliance and variety. Repertoire ranged from pieces by Mozart to Debussy with the performers from the Third Year to the Upper Sixth Form.

The concert commenced with Spencer T (Lower Sixth) who performed the opening movement of Beethoven’s Pathetique sonata. This was a lively and energetic start to the event. Fiona Z (Upper Sixth) performed Mozart’s Piano Sonata for Four Hands in D Major with Mr Hall; her precision and understanding of the subtle nuances within Mozart’s music was testament to her mature musicality. Leyani G (Third Year) gave a lyrical and emotive performance of Coleridge-Taylor’s Impromptu No. 2 in B minor.

Ethan G and Lynus L (Lower Sixth) gave a delightful duet performance of Fauré’s Berceuse from the Dolly Suite, Op. 56. Their togetherness and uniformity in their interpretation was impressive. Ethan G also gave a solo performance of the Chopin’s sensitive and stunning Etude No. 3 in E Major, Op. 10; creating a range of warm colour throughout the performance.

There were a number of solo debuts from pupils. Raymond O (Fourth Year) performed Brahms’ explosive Rhapsody No. 1, Op. 79, creating a superb, rich sound and embracing the rich, Romantic harmonies that Brahms demands of the performer. Justin Q (Upper Sixth) performed Debussy’s Arabesque with delicacy and sensitivity; capturing the stylistic features of the impressionist style excellently. Rex L (Fourth Year) gave a rapturous performance of Rachmaninov’s Moment Musicaux No. 4 in E minor, Op. 16, demonstrating the technical expertise necessary for this superb piece of music. Yoyo C (Lower Sixth) performed Chopin’s Grande Valse Brilliante, Op. 18, creating the jaunty and elegant style as well as capturing the reflective and softer middle section.

Ayrton H (Fifth Year) gave a performance of Hommage á Rameau, from Images, by Debussy. This was an emotional and encapsulated his superb musicality and mature understanding of the music. He demonstrated an outstanding understanding of the style and the performance was a real highlight of the evening.

The evening concluded with two, quite special performances of Chopin masterpieces. Florence N (Fourth Year) gave an astounding performance of Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20. From the off, the performance had energy, power and drama whilst exhibiting the warm and lyrical passages convincingly, also. Rodney L’s (Lower Sixth) performance of the Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 was something almost out of this world. The panache, dexterity and musicality demonstrated in this performance was jaw-dropping and was a treat for the performers and audience.

All of the performers are warmly congratulated for their superb performances, all of which were exceptional.