award-winning Jamaican composer Eleanor Alberga . Masterclasses ran throughout the day , and I was lucky enough to be a part of an open masterclass with the Sacconi Quartet , playing an arrangement of Danse Macabre by Saint-Saëns for four violins . It was hugely inspiring and informative to see how a professional string quartet dissected the piece , helping us to find new nuances and inflections within the music .
We finished the day with a concert , the first half featuring performances from student groups , with pieces by Bruch , Moszkowski , Milhaud and Bacewicz . The Sacconi Quartet took to the stage in the second half with a captivating performance of the first movement of Schubert ’ s Death and the Maiden . After rapturous applause , we were treated to an onstage interview with Eleanor Alberga , in which she reflected on her life as a composer , including which composers influenced her and her composition process , before introducing her String Quartet No 2 , played by the Sacconi Quartet . A fitting finale , the quartet was riotous with energy , its driving rhythms and swirling textures filling the Pamoja Hall .
Throughout history , playing music in small groups has endured , from Renaissance consorts to Mozartian quartets to the diversity of modern ensembles , with everything from experimental 21st century pieces featuring synthesizers and theremins , to the classic rock band . Why is this ? I would hazard a guess that it ’ s the pure delight that comes from making music together . Chamber music has been described as the ‘ music of friends ’, a phrase that stems from both its origins as a way for people to play music informally at home , and the intimacy and connection required between musicians . Not only must you play your own part , but you must also be aware of , listen to , and appreciate the work of those around you .
It is an incredible opportunity to be able to explore the facets of this wonderful genre of music at school , and I will look forward to the early morning rehearsals for the rest of my time at Sevenoaks . I eagerly await what is in store for next year !
Eve Ward , Year 10
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