Fever
For UK fans of Taylor Swift, the wait for the arrival of the Eras tour is painfully ongoing. However, in the meantime there was another way to hear her best songs in a breathtakingly unique setting.
Fever’s Candlelight concerts offer a variety of tributes, from renowned composers, beloved movie soundtracks and legendary pop artists. But what these events have in common is that they hold them in beautiful buildings. In addition, the performers play in a setting surrounded by the effects of flickering candlelight.
In this instance, the setting was before the spectacular stained-glass windows of Leeds Minster. The Gothic Revival architectural landmark is a perfect setting for chamber music, and the intimate audience were excitedly waiting to hear Taylor Swift’s memorable melodies floating under the vast ceilings.
After the audience had a chance to grab a drink at the pop-up bar (a strange but well received inclusion), the String Infusion took to their seats amidst countless flickering LED candles.
Love Story
Commencing a tightly packed hour long setlist, they got underway by performing the recently released ‘Lavender Haze’ from ‘Midnights’. It provided an early taste of the harmonic flourishes of the string quartet arrangements. The performers expertly entwined Swift’s vocal melodies across each instrument.
Cellist Cath then announced that anyone who did not recognise the next song could promptly leave the venue due to not being a true Taylor Swift fan. There was no worry of this happening though, as the oozing violin rendition of the opening lyrics to ‘Love Story’ lifted the audience.
In the post-loudness war age, varied dynamics in modern pop music are difficult to truly encounter. But the String Infusion performers perfectly captured the ups and downs of this classic. The quietly bowed “Romeo, save me, I’ve been feeling so alone” soon rose triumphantly into the song’s fairytale ending.
Cardigan
One downside to the night is that there was not much room in the setlist for tracks from the more acoustic ‘Folklore’ or ‘Evermore’ albums. These ‘eras’ demonstrated Swift at the peak of her ability to transform vulnerability into creativity. The performance of the only track from these, ‘Cardigan’ confirmed this feeling. The tender response to her past relationship with Harry Styles was one of the best suited tracks for this musical arrangement.
The first half of the concert continued with a clicking opening to ‘Blank Space’. One of her catchiest offerings, it seemed increasingly difficult for those present not to burst into song. The swirling violins truly captured the frantic vocal harmonies of the final chorus.
Next was ‘Enchanted’, in a nod to the next Taylor’s version release, ‘Speak Now’. Then to close out the first half, the latest Swift smash hit ‘Anti Hero’. Its breathy vocals and moody bassline were once again conveyed excellently by the performers.
All Too Well
After a 15-minute interval, the classic hits continued. Firstly with ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ before arriving at two Taylor’s version fan favourites. Although there wasn’t time for the beloved 10-minute version, Swifties were moved by the increasing intensity of ‘All Too Well’, followed by the swooning ‘Wildest Dreams’.
After the heart-wrenching ‘Lover’, String Infusion opened ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ with delicate plucked strings before arriving magnificently at its shrieking chorus with jagged basslines performed by the Cellist.
You Belong With Me
Arriving to the final part of the concert, it was time for one of the songs that first brought Taylor Swift worldwide attention. Despite the long evolution of her career, fans will still always love ‘You Belong With Me’. This string quartet version brought out all the harmonies and melodies that make it so memorable.
Finally, there was a chance for the audience to clap along and shake off the formalities of the chamber music setting with the party anthem ‘Shake It Off’.
It may not match the extravagance of Taylor Swift’s own Eras tour. Which on its US run is setting a new standard for stadium shows. But the Candlelight concert is a unique and intimate multi-sensory way to hear and experience these songs. It is a concert that any dedicated Swift fan must experience.
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