The inaugural Piano Festival at St Bartholomew's Church has been well supported by large and appreciative audiences. The three recitals have resulted in a profit of £900 for the Oscar The Organ Appeal.
The last recital in the series was given by Chiahu Lee and featured music by Bach, Haydn and Medtner. Chiahu demonstrated her vivacious control of rhythm to project the elegant wit and humour inherent in the quick movements Haydn's piano sonata number 50 in C major. She also demonstrated her assured technique in the Toccata in D major by JS Bach. A perfect example of the Stylus Phantasticus this piece contains a wide contrast of styles, textures and tempi.
The concluding work in her recital was the Sonata Reminiscenza by Russian composer Nicholas Medtner (1880-1951). This was a very lyrical work and required careful control of tone and colour which Chiahu executed with distinction.
The music programme at St Bart's continues in March with a number of choral concerts:
- Saturday 21st March 7.30 Barnby Choir ~ "Elijah" by Mendelssohn
- Sunday 22nd March 4pm Happy Birthday JSBach ~ Philip and Daniel Underwood
- Saturday 28th March 7.30 Prestbury Choral Society~ "St John Passion" by JS Bach
Guest post by Philip Underwood.
