Rating:
Greyfriars Kirk was the perfect setting for this Edinburgh based choir’s return to the Fringe after sellout shows in previous years. Originally founded in 1992, Cadenza has come to be regarded as one of the best Scottish choirs around at the moment, with some members travelling from outside of the Edinburgh area to take part. The concert at the Kirk is their largest of the year and they are accompanied by an orchestra and chamber organ.
They had promised that their rendition of Lotti’s Missa a Tre Cori was going to be one of the highlights of the show and indeed it certainly shone within the repertoire. This choir produce a beautifully rich sound that fills the space and is perfectly accompanied. They manage an ethereal sound that brilliantly encompasses the genre.
Bach’s moving and almost sombre Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen was perfectly performed and raised the hairs on the back of my neck. The soloists within this concert were excellent, however it really is their ensemble singing that makes this group shine. The harmonies are balanced and full of tone and the dynamics created throughout were outstanding.
This kind of concert is not for the faint hearted, as it is fairly long in comparison to many other Fringe shows. Cadenza at the Fringe, however, is well worth the wait and an excellent end to any Fringe programme.