Music review: Candlelight Concerts

Candle Concerts performed their four string quartet Halloween themed ensemble at 49th State Brewing in the last week of October.

The “Candlelight Concert” is played completely by candlelight, with hundreds of illusory candles flickering with a metallic flame emitting a mechanical orange light.

Candlelight Concerts travels the world playing many songs in a variety of themes ranging from jazz and classical music to movie soundtracks and seasonal themes.

The Candlelight Concerts’ Halloween themed performance was enjoyed by a packed room indulging in deliciously strong drinks.

The concert featured a string quartet – four individuals sitting with three violins and one viola – creating a robust and full sound for a spooky miniature orchestra.

The opening of the performance was Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” which began enthusiastically with a crescendo of strings and the buzzing excitement of the audience.

After “Thriller,” the quartet led the night into the theme song from “Stranger Things,” followed by the “Psycho” theme song.

After the performance of three familiar songs to break the night’s metaphorical ice, the performers paused to explain the story behind the “Funeral March of a Marionette,” an emotional and lively song about marionettes who fought a duel. The marionette who lost was carried to his grave by friends.

Halfway through the performance, the lively and familiar theme from the “Addams Family” gained the attention of the audience. With the familiarity of the beloved theme, the entire audience snapped their fingers in synchronicity.

Toward the end of the night, the theme from “Nightmare Before Christmas” was played. The recognition of the famous movie line, “What’s this?” through the tone of the elegant viola excited the audience.

Throughout the performance, sharply dressed couples would lean over with a smile when a song they recognized began to play. Families moved their heads and tapped their feet to “Beetlejuice” and “Nightmare Before Christmas.” Kids smiled while snapping to the beat of “The Addams Family.”

Throughout the night, the Candlelight Concert entranced and hypnotized the audience with beloved childhood songs that were played alongside the beautiful, flickering orange lights – bringing everyone in the building together through music.