This week’s Music at Lunchtime recital was given by Form 7 music scholar, Ethan, who performed Kabalevsky’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in G minor, accompanied by Director of Music, Peter Davis.
Ethan’s opening movement immediately demonstrated what a demanding work this is, requiring both technical precision and emotional depth. Ethan rose to the occasion with aplomb, capturing the first movement’s lyrical side as well as its bursts of fiery intensity.
In the second movement, Largo, Ethan captured the essence of Kabalevsky’s melancholic writing, inspired by Russian folk music. His sustained melodic playing evoked a sense of pain and longing, and was played with great sensitivity.
In the final Allegretto movement, Ethan proved himself to be equal to the challenge of the constantly varying thematic material, tackling the fast passage work and syncopated chords with skill and determination.
Congratulations to Ethan on an accomplished recital, and we look forward to hearing him perform this work with the School’s Symphony Orchestra at the Gala Concert in Cambridge on Sunday 17 March.
Our next Music at Lunchtime recital is after half-term, when Form 4 music scholar, Alex, will be performing a selection of Romantic piano music on Wednesday 21 February,
The recording from the recital is available here.
