This is the first year of the brand spanking new Chesham Fringe Festival, and watfordfringereviews.blogspot.com is delighted to be there in support, creating a space to kick off the conversation about the dizzying array of creative fare on offer!
The stated aim of this rather formal, traditional concert was to explore the theme of Sunrise and Sunset in music across the ages, and it met its own aims with carefully planned precision.
We began with the obvious: Sunrise, Sunset from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. A beautiful rendition, this song's poignancy was the perfect opener, setting the scene for a reflection on both the positive and negative interpretations of the twilight hours. It was also a lovely choice for showing off the power of the simple piano and voice combination, and the way it allows you to focus on melody, lyrics and technique with unobscured clarity.
We were guided through a multitude of sunrise and sunset songs, and given potted introductions to context. First, the French, mostly Debussy, who approached the theme with romantic inclination, then the English who infused their folksong with sun imagery. Next the introspective Germans, who saw the sunrise as a symbol of hope, the sunset as a symbol of sadness, before some Italian choices led us to the grand finish: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard.
Soprano Christine Cunnold had a lovely crystalline voice, perhaps attacking the higher register a little too hard but always controlling breath and pitch with consummate ease. Ably accompanied by pianist Richard Harker, they gave the impression of a long-standing and happy musical partnership.
When Cunnold stepped away from the music stand to deliver her introductions there was an immediate and delightful confidence and friendliness which warmed the whole room. It was a shame that she then returned to it for each song, as for the most part she seemed to use it as a comfort blanket rather than a memory prompt, and it definitely created a barrier between her performance and the audience.
Overall, this was a charming set showcasing a delightful operatic voice. I hope they return to Chesham Fringe next year and give us another thoughtfully selected thematic set list.
X/twitter: @c_cunnold
instagram: @christine.cunnold
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