Beethoven for Breakfast is a soft ease into an Edinburgh day. The musicians and complimentary tea and pastry will have you fit as a fiddle for another Fringe day by ten-thirty.
The award-winning Ashley Fipp, a pianist who is playing at the venue a number of times during the festival, gently brought his audience round with a touching and soft performance of Beethoven’s famed Moonlight Sonata. Once the recently-stirred crowd was a little more ready and awake, Fipp was followed by the Castalian Quartet who performed the rousing work of prolific Classical composer Haydn with gusto and vigour.
The Castalian Quartet, who like Fipp have something of a residency at the venue over the festival, should be seen by all music lovers. Classical music-lover or otherwise, it is definitely worth venturing to see them perform: they are a shining example of a unit of musicians, all in sync and all taking equal share of the musical work. This makes for tight, layered and dynamic performances that are compelling, interesting and enjoyable.
The performance space does jar slightly due to the unavoidably tinny acoustics. However, sitting back with the music is followed by a cup of tea and a muffin, taking in the view of the castle. This relaxing experience will help even the most dog-eared Fringe rover prepare for another day on the Mile.
