Doubtless the lure of this event is the promise of hot chocolate to round off the day and it doesn’t disappoint. This is the rich, almost pure melted chocolate in a cup that is usually only found on the continent. With cream if you want it.
However, the eponymous beverage (deceptively only served until 9.55) is just the beginning. It was on this occasion usurped by an outstanding performance by Edinburgh chamber choir Sang Scule. Their programme was intriguing, unusual and carefully selected: to mark the 500th anniversary of the Auld Alliance (the name of the concert) between Scotland and France, a song was chosen from each century and each country, showing the developments and contrasts of styles and cultures.
The music from the 16th century opening the concert demonstrated the similarities between the two nations’ musical styles, by basing compositions on plainchant themes and well-known tunes. This likeness was mirrored by the concord within the choir, which although only eight-strong had a remarkably tight, clear sound, aided by the church’s crisp acoustic. The blend of voices was also noteworthy: even when the ensemble was reduced to one voice per part, no one voice was noticeable above the others.
More accustomed to early music, Sang Scule were no less impressive when entering the 18th century, a time of revolution for both countries, and challenged with angrier, more passionate music which they executed with excellent vitality. Both the songs here had been superbly arranged by soprano Katy Cooper.
The music of the 19th century was another chance to show off their more lush, delicate tones, in Debussy’s Dieu! Qu’il Fait Bon Regarder! and James MacMillan's Videns Dominus. Duruflé's Ubi Caritas provided a profoundly peaceful end to the recital.
There is no more peaceful setting for the concert. Yards from the Royal Mile, Old St Paul’s church is haven for Fringe-weary folk. Presuming the concerts, highly varied in their content, are consistently of this quality all month, treat yourself to a night away from the chaos.
