By Annia Grey, 6.2

Having studied the German late Romantic and Modernist movements outside of our exam curriculum, we have left the 6.2 bridging course feeling enriched by this introduction to some extremely poignant and beautiful works.

As Doug commented when talking about Strauss’ final trio and duet in Der Rosenkavalier, it has been a true ‘palette cleanse’ studying these composers, especially following the rather heavy curricular garlic bread of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

We were collectively moved by the gorgeous quintet in his Die Meistersinger and were left feeling surprised that Wagner could produce something so lyrical, cantabile and moving, having been exposed to his denser works as part of our Pre-U course. This was a highlight for me, Johnny and Bella.

For those whose interests lie more in more instrumental works, a favourite arose in the shape of Mahler’s 8th Symphony and Stravinski’s Firebird for Sampson, Jamie and Mary. The gradual build-up of the instrumentation in the Firebird made for an epic finale for a ballet.

Sampson found the course extremely rewarding, saying: “I got the opportunity to discover composers and works that I wouldn’t have normally been able to study. It was very fascinating and allowed me to become more familiar with a wider musical history”, demonstrating how for those who wish to pursue music post Bedales, the bridging course has been an invaluable experience. But it has also been intrinsically rewarding for all of us who took part, regardless as to whether we are pursuing music or not. I feel I have left the bridging course with a deeper understanding and love of composers and their work such as Strauss and Wagner which will stay with me for life.

We can’t wait to become those annoying students who jam and rave to Strauss’ ending trio in Der Rosenkavalier, full volume, as opposed to Stormzy. Okay, maybe that was a slight exaggeration…