Candlelight: Disney Love Songs at Southwark Cathedral

The gentle flickering of candlelight takes on an added charm when associated with instrumental music. Candlelight concerts have built their core appeal on this simple yet evocative proposition and brought it to audiences worldwide. In London, one of the main venues is Southwark Cathedral, whose Gothic style (softened by its Norman roots) creates an intimate, devotional atmosphere once the lights go out and the myriad amber flames at the altar-turned-stage are the only ones left burning.

For this autumn season, the live music series introduces a new format dedicated to Disney love songs. The setlist is a true crowd-pleaser, spanning several decades (from 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the 2010 computer-animated Tangled). And while romantic love songs undeniably dominate, there are also segments centred on attachment to the community and maternal affection.

The arrangements are largely straightforward, favouring faithful renditions of the iconic tunes over more imaginative interpretations. The objective of the concerts is indeed to be as approachable as possible, aimed at a broad audience, and the staging contributes significantly to this effect, directing attention and setting the mood for the music itself. Plus, there is the appeal of highly recognisable tunes (as the series programmes showcase, from rock and pop to cinematic scores) performed by a string ensemble. And it all comes together rather well.

The Morassi Quartet – composed of Natasha Humphries and Katie Mazur on violin, Toby Warr on viola and Iza Stefańska on cello – performs at this October concert. The opening comes in the form of Elton John’s Can You Feel the Love Tonight, from The Lion King. Each section is duly introduced by Humphries, who shares a few details about the film, either snippets of the storyline or the sentimental link the melody refers to. Some Day My Prince Will Come is delivered with elongated, stirring notes, in contrast with the upbeat pizzicato of Love Is an Open Door from Frozen. After a brief excursion into the theme of community love, the programme returns to pure romance with a beautiful medley from Beauty and the Beast, followed by a whimsical Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid. You’ll Be in My Heart (Phil Collins for Tarzan) lively conveys the lyrics through the strings, maintaining its soaring energy throughout. The closing waltz, Married Life from Up, is endearing. A final burst of energy comes with an encore rendition of the high-spirited High School Musical hit Breaking Free.

With an evocative atmosphere and a setlist of instantly recognisable favourites, Candlelight offers a compact, enjoyable evening in the heartwarming glow of instrumental music.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Courtesy of Candlelight: Disney Love Songs

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