Music at Lunchtime: Magical Musical Theatre

This week’s Music at Lunchtime recital was given by Form 7 student, Poppy, who performed a selection of musical theatre songs from The Bridges of Madison County, with music by Jason Robert Brown, and Cinderella, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Poppy’s three songs from The Bridges of Madison County transported the audience to rural Iowa, telling the story of housewife Francesca whose life is turned upside down by an unexpected encounter with a nature photographer, Robert. The first song Poppy performed, ‘To build a home’, took the audience on Francesca’s journey from Italy to America, and the promise of a prosperous and settled family life. With ‘What do you call a man like that’, the music tumbled into the uncertainty Robert’s arrival caused. Only ‘Always better’ offered some reconciliation- Poppy’s moving performance perfectly matched Francesca’s wistful acceptance of her outcome.

Poppy then performed two songs from Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. The first, ‘I know I have a heart’, is the show’s central ballad, revealing the realities of the heartbroken protagonist underneath her tough, rebellious façade. Offering a moment of reflection, the gentle ‘Far too late’ made for the perfect ending to a dramatic recital.

Poppy’s recital took the audience on a musical and emotional rollercoaster, transporting the audience through two powerful stories with great musicality and performance. Congratulations!

Next week’s Music at Lunchtime recital is given by George who will be performing music for alto and tenor saxophone.