Baroque Brilliance: Vocal and Consort Evening
The Vocal Recital and Consort Evening was a wonderful display of the talent and panache of Caterham School musicians. A recital that transported the audience beyond the walls of the school with moments that left listeners doubting the age of our performers- such maturity and depth was heard in their playing and singing. To add to the musical authenticity, our VMT, Dr De La Matter, provided a harpsichord which allowed our musicians to experience the pieces as they were intended. The unmistakable sound of the harpsichord is synonymous with the Baroque era and it was fantastic to hear and see our musicians engaging with this intriguing piece of music history.
The concert opened with Beethoven’s stunning Adagio movement from his Piano Concerto No. 5, with Florence N as the soloist, accompanied by the Caterham Consort. This lyrical and magical performance was marked by warmth and melodic clarity.
Vocal solos were performed by Stella V. L., Bjorn M., Rosa H., Emily B., and Julie A., all presenting Baroque repertoire. Accompanied by the harpsichord, these performances embraced the nuances of the genre perfectly. In addition, Fiona Z made her debut as an accompanist on the harpsichord, performing Gounod’s Ave Maria, based on Bach’s Prelude in C Major, with Isabella P. as the vocal soloist.
Jessie D. and Ines H. M. delivered a sublime rendition of Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu, accompanied by a full version of the Caterham School Consort. The Zheng Trio then took the stage with Poulenc’s Trio for Piano, Violin, and Violoncello, a celebration of Neoclassicism and chamber music. Their performance was filled with harmonic twists and melodic detail that are quintessentially Poulenc, showcasing a remarkable sense of musical cohesion, flexibility, and tonal variety.
The Vocal Ensemble, comprising Ines H. M., Namratha D., Sophia P-W., and Olivia B., presented three beautiful pieces: Greensleeves, Handel’s Where’er You Walk, and Schubert’s To Music. Their ensemble and rich sound filled the hall,
Ines H. M. and Sophia A. gave a delightful performance of Romantic repertoire, each performing with style and confidence. Following this, Spencer T. delivered a confident performance of Bach’s Prelude in D Minor, BWV 851 on the harpsichord.
The concert concluded with Corelli’s iconic Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 “Christmas Concerto”. A masterpiece of contrapuntal intricacy, harmonic suspense, and melodic beauty, was performed with stylistic authenticity, musicianship, and flair by the Caterham School Consort. Special mention goes to our concertino soloists—Bradyn C., Mark U., Curtis H., and Chup Hei W, for their stylish playing.
Congratulations to all performers—soloists and ensemble members alike—whose outstanding musicianship and talent shone through in this recital.
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