Aluredian
50
S
ome of King's larger performing
groups had the opportunity to
showcase their talents in an excellent
concert in the Chapel just before the
Lent half-term holiday. A good-sized
audience could not fail to have been
impressed by the sheer numbers of pupils
involved, and the diversity of their music-making.
The brass ensemble started proceedings with
Gabrieli's Canzon a 4, a performance that
featured sprightly rhythms and well-contrasted
dynamics, obviously the result of careful
preparation in rehearsal.
They were followed by an outstanding
performance of Telemann's Viola Concerto in
which the soloist was Jessica Dalwood, who
played the entire work from memory. This
always helps a soloist, as the focus is then
purely on the interpretation of the music, not the
sheet of music in front of you! This was a tour
de force, dazzling fast runs, and a rich, warm
viola sound in the slow passages. There was
considerable stamina on view as well, as this is
a substantial work. Many congratulations are
due to Jess, and to the string orchestra for
providing such sympathetic accompaniment.
After one of our numerous string quartets had
given a most persuasive performance of Fauré's
Pavane, Peter Oakley took to the organ stool for
Bach's Prelude and Fugue in B minor. We
have grown accustomed to revelling in Peter's
glorious singing over the last few years, and
this showed he has other strings to his bow, for
he gave a most accomplished reading of this
complex and sophisticated work.
The chamber choir brought us almost to the
close of the evening with Rheinberger's
Abendlied, with beautiful warm chording and
some sumptuous sounds, a nice dip in
emotional temperature before the considerable
weight of the full orchestra amassed on stage
to perform the Suite No 1 from Handel's Water
Music.
All sections of the orchestra shone here -
warm, cantabile string playing, nimble wind
and forceful brass, as well as dramatic
percussion work. Which all brought a
thoroughly enjoyable evening of music-making
to a powerful and satisfying close.
Music in
Chapel
by
Adam
Dewbery