Emily Yoo, a violinist in Form 6, gave a wonderfully varied lunchtime recital in All Saints’ Church on Wednesday 22 June. Her programme spanned the breadth of solo violin repertoire starting with J S Bach and finishing with Bartók.
Emily’s performance of the first movement from Bach’s Concerto in A minor was beautifully controlled and shaped. The virtuosity of the solo sections was brought to life with sparkling articulation and rhythmic drive, keeping the audience gripped from beginning to end.
She followed this with Faure’s Andante, op. 75, which is a little-known work that deserves to be programmed more often! From the very opening, Emily produced a sweet singing tone and showed fantastic control as the expansive melodic lines exploited the full range of the violin. As Faure’s colourful harmonies developed, Emily’s sound showed light and shade. The middle section was more nervous in character before the glorious opening material returned.
Bartok’s infamous Romanian Dances never cease to delight an audience. Following the searing intensity of the fourth movement (heard first today), Emily’s playing sprung to life in the final two movements of the set. She grasped the energy and vigour of the folk tradition brilliantly while showing real virtuosity as the finale intensifies to its dramatic closing bars. Bravo!
