THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Quartet, Patsy Toh, Professor of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music, and the Aquinas Trio, one of the UK’s leading British chamber groups, all of whom gave masterclasses to our students, teaching them invaluable lessons in the art of performance. Music award holders attended a performance of Beethoven’s String Quartet op. 132 given by the Brodsky Quartet at King’s Place, and, after two years of hard work at the piano, in collaboration with Radley College, St Paul’s Girls’ School and St Helen and St Katharine School, 25 of our pianists and four members of staff headed to the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford on Sunday 8 March to perform all 32 of Beethoven’s piano sonatas and three early sonatinas, adding up to 12 hours of continuous music. Our musicians also played brilliantly in lunchtime concerts at Christ’s Chapel and in the Lower Hall, and at assemblies in the Great Hall. The virus lockdown brought our festival (and everything else!) to an unexpected break, and our three major concerts (Choral, Chamber Music and Symphonic) were, sadly, cancelled. However, we are determined to reschedule the Beethoven Study Day later in the year, at which point we will explore the Pathétique Sonata , as well as listening to Professor Nicholas Marston from King’s College, Cambridge, whose knowledge of Beethoven is second to none. This event was designed as the launch of the new SSLP Music Hub, which more than 80 students from nine of our partner schools had signed up to attend. Without a doubt, our musical journeys will be strengthened by this new initiative, which we hope will develop and grow in years to come.
THE MENACING AND EXCITING SEQUENCE OF FOUR NOTES WHICH CONSTITUTES THE OPENING OF BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH SYMPHONY IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS MUSICAL PHRASES OF ALL TIMES
B eethoven changed the course of music forever. He was a visionary: a revolutionary composer whose music challenged the conventions of his times, and continues to challenge us in the modern era. Admired around the world, his music never ceases to surprise us. No matter how many times we listen to one of his works, no matter how well we think we know it, there is always a new and astounding discovery to be made. Beethoven’s music touches the human heart like that of no other composer. It conveys a deep sense of humanity, compassion, ambition and beauty that never fails to create an emotional connection with the listener. He is a hero and an icon for all musicians, and this is why the entire musical world dedicated festivals to the celebration of his 250th anniversary in 2020. Here at the College, our festival aimed to promote understanding and appreciation of Beethoven’s compositions via a number of different approaches. Not only did we engage in analysis of his works, but we also welcomed a number of distinguished musicians, whose performances and workshops allowed our musicians and audiences to learn about his music in performance. In addition, our own musicians dedicated themselves to learning a number of Beethoven’s works, and were given opportunities to perform them in public. We were honoured to welcome to the College Gina McCormack, first violin of the Brodsky
MUSIC
HOMAGE TO A MUSICAL HERO
The menacing and exciting sequence of four notes which constitutes the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is probably one of the most famous musical phrases of all times. His Moonlight Sonata , Für Elise and Ninth Symphony are adored around the world. His Seventh Symphony, Fourth Piano Concerto and last five piano sonatas are simply transcendental. In extraordinary times such as these, Beethoven’s music becomes more relevant than ever. It can guide us to reflection, challenge our perceptions and, most importantly, bring the purest sense of joy to our hearts.
MARKING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMPOSER’S BIRTH, THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT’S BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL INCLUDED PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO APPRECIATE THE WORK OF THIS TOWERING MUSICAL GENIUS, SAYS LUIS PARES
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