Recital by Matthew P (Tenor) & Jenny Tarrant (Piano)

Many congratulations to Matthew P (L6E) for his fantastic solo recital on Monday 10 October of Schumann’s "Dichterliebe".  Matthew is one of our musical superstars.  He is a fully active in the musical life of Bancroft's: he was Musical Director for the Fifth Form production of Into The Woods last year and conducted the Bancroft’s Sinfonia at the Drapers' Hall Concert for his own Drapers' Waltz.  Most recently, he was part of East House’s music offering in the Inter House Performing Arts Competition, winning the Best Soloist category as well playing as part of its ensemble.   In addition, Matthew studies bassoon, singing and conducting at the Junior Academy of the Royal Academy of Music. He is currently studying music, history, French and German for his A Levels. Matthew was accompanied on piano by Jenny Tarrant, one of our team of visiting instrumental teachers. Julia Whitbread, Director of Music, gave her account of the recital.

“Schumann’s Dichterliebe is not for the faint hearted, indeed it is full of love and angst in equal measures.  Matthew P (L6E) took this on and gave it his all,  performing and communicating with a deep understanding of the text and a full range of vocal colours.  The piano accompaniment  in this Lieder takes an equal role to the voice, and  was beautifully portrayed by Jenny Tarrant . The piano often has the final word in many of the songs, none more so in the final bars of the sixteenth song: Die alten, bösen Lieder (The old, angry songs).

In the second half Matthew showed his vocal prowess with songs by  Vaughan Williams,  Gabriel Fauré,  Henri Duparc and Paolo Tosti.  Here he again gave us a wide palette of timbres, in particular the  floated quiet moments were expressive, and  warmly conveyed, and Matthew showed that he was more than at home in a range of styles.”