As one of the two most important dates in the Eton College calendar, the other being the Fourth of June, St. Andrew’s Day is annually marked by an ECMS (Eton College Music Scholars) concert. This year, Kasper L and Rudyard C, two Year 13 students, stepped up to the mark by organising an excellent 45 minutes of music held in College Chapel.
First on the programme was the finale from Mendelssohn’s String Octet in E-flat major, composed when he was only 16 years old and performed by senior Music Award holders at the School. This performance was spectacularly executed, resulting in a riveting six minutes of vivacious sound for the audience.
Next to take the stage were Eton College’s prestigious close harmony group, the Incognitos, with a performance of Rheinberger’s Abendlied. Translated as ‘Evening Song’, this piece is regarded as perhaps his most well-known sacred composition. The group did not disappoint with their efforts either, creating a glorious blend of bass, tenor, alto and treble harmony in what was one of their best performances of the Autumn Term.
Following this was another work by Mendelssohn, the famous first movement of his Piano Trio in D minor. The boys played with great elegance and romanticism, drawing out dramatic contrasts between subjects. All three performers should be commended for their stunning delivery of what is such a technically challenging piece.
To round off the concert, the College Chapel Choir, conducted by Kasper L, performed Wesley’s Ascribe unto the Lord. Sweeping from a bold, recitative-like introduction through to a beautifully sung upper voice quartet passage, through to a fugal climax, the choir demonstrated outstanding control, well deserving of the rapturous applause they received.
Of course, special thanks should be given to Mr Johnson for his guidance with the choir, Mr Silver and Mr Owen for their guidance with the chamber ensembles, the Provost for permitting the use of College Chapel, the vergers for their assistance, Mr Nyari for the recording and Mr Yeo for his help behind the scenes.
