This week’s Music at Lunchtime recital featured violinist Joshua (F4), accompanied by Head of Piano, Anne Bolt, in a thoughtfully curated programme that explored the lyrical and expressive qualities of the violin through works by Dvořák and Mozart.
The recital opened with the third and fourth movements from Antonín Dvořák’s Romantic Pieces, Op. 75. Originally conceived for a trio of amateur musicians—including the composer himself—these characterful miniatures were later arranged by Dvořák for violin and piano. Joshua’s performance of the Allegro appassionato was both spirited and elegant, bringing out the movement’s singing lines and dramatic contrasts with precision and poise. The final movement, a melancholic elegy marked Larghetto, offered a striking change in mood. Joshua handled the expressive demands of the piece with sensitivity, capturing the sighing motifs and wistful beauty of the music with delicate bow control and lyrical phrasing.
The second half of the programme featured the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K.216. Joshua brought a lightness of touch and a confident sense of style to this elegant and exuberant work. The agility of his playing highlighted the movement’s graceful themes, while his cadenza was performed with flair and assurance, demonstrating both technical skill and a keen understanding of the piece.
Well done to Joshua and to Ms Bolt for an outstanding recital.
Our next Music at Lunchtime recital will be on Wednesday 7 May 2025 and feature Form 6 pupil Tomas performing music for piano by Khachaturian, Mozart & Schumann.
