Customer Reviews

Anuna

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've lately been pretty into Celtic Christian music, from Maire Brennan to Roma Downey. I think that Anuna's first album might be the best I've heard so far. I have previously heard the beautiful voices of Anuna on Riverdance and CD's with the Chieftains. Getting one of their albums enhances my love of them even more. Michael McGlynn, the brilliant young man behind the group, has collected many wonderful chants and traditional songs from Ireland and Scotland. He even composed some music and most of the equisite arrangments were by him. Each and every one of these songs creates a very ambient, spiritual atmosphere. All of this music was recorded in a church in only one day! All of the singers have very strong vocal ability. Sara Clancy, Katie McMahon, Monica Donlon, and all of the young women provide beautiful soprano vocals. The men have very Irish sounding tenors. Michael McGlynn himslef has a very good voice, especially in songs like "Media Vita" and "Invocation". They often sing vocal drones in the background, which makes a very ethereal atmosphere. Most songs are sight read and in a capella, but some sometimes there is instrumental accompniant, such as Mairead Ni Fhaolain on the harp, Caron Hannigan on the fiddle, and John McGlynn on the guitar(he is the twin brother of Michael and is very mastered on the guitar and Gaelic vocal singing). Percussionist Lloyd Byrne also plays the bodhran, which fits perfectly in songs "Media Vita", "The Raid", and "Si Do Mhaimeo"(She's Your Granny). Indeed, the vocals of the group can be their own instruments, but sometimes other instruments help add to the beauty. Whether they sing in Gaelic, Latin, or English, it all sounds meaningful. Their powerful sining styles makes the music sound so perfect, especially in "Jerusalem". This innovative music is very unique and something you have to hear for yourself. I can say many positive things about this album. It's one of those types of albums you wish had more than five stars. There will be no regrets in getting this album. I could say many things about all of these songs, especially "Media Vita" and "Jerusalem"(the two songs that helped start the group) but you must hear this album yourself. It speaks for itself.

I bought this CD primarily because of Anuna's stunning performance in Riverdance. There is something so warm and mesmerising about the tone of this group, although it probably helps if you're already a fan of ancient Celtic music. I wasn't a fan only because I hadn't been exposed to much, and so at first I found some of the tracks a little unapproachable with the unusual harmonies. But having owned this album for a couple of years now, I take it out every now and then and I enjoy it more each time.

There is an immense variety of pieces on this recording, from haunting and ethereal ('Invocation', 'Sanctus', 'The Blue Bird') to the more percussive and syncopated ('The Raid', 'Fionnghuala', 'Si Do Mhaimeo I'), but all tracks demonstrate the magnificent vocal ability of Anuna, both as a group and as soloists. I felt that each individual soloist was selected well for their song(s) in the way that their voices complemented the style of the piece. (I have heard many choirs where soloists have been selected because they might have had the most experience/biggest range etc. but their voice simply didn't suit the particular song.)

My favourite pieces on the CD definitely include the first track, 'Media Vita', for its powerful monastic chant which builds with the gradual addition of each part. I also like the simplicity and sorrowful tone of Thomas Moore's 'Silent, O Moyle' and the gentle lilting tone that Sara Clancy's voice gives to this song. It works beautifully with the harp. And finally, Stanford's 'The Blue Bird' has long been one of my favourite choral pieces and I was so happy to find it on this recording. Although I don't think they sing it as technically faultlessly as say the Cambridge Singers, I prefer Anuna's warmer and richer sound. But there are no tracks on here that I skip, even if it has taken me a while to appreciate the full beauty and diversity of this CD.

The best thing that I can say about this CD, is that I never get tired of listening to it.

Imagine an ancient Irish monastic compound, before the requirements of Augustine changed the face of Celtic Christianity.

This is what you'll be listening to with this CD. The open harmonies, ethereal echos, and traditional undercurrent of percussion make this one of my most cherished CDs.

When I can pry it from my wife's player, that is.

Hm....where's that One-Click button, again?

WHEN I FIRST HEARD THEIR SORING ETHEREAL HARMONIES I WAS MOVED TO TEARS. IT WAS ON THE RIVER DANCE CD.NEVER HAD I QUITE HEARD SUCH LUSH EXQUISITE SOUNDS FROM A VOCAL GROUP OF RATHER CONSERVATIVE SIZE. ALAS I WAS LURED IN BY THE FINE RECORDING PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES USED BY THE PRODUCER OF THIS RIVER DANCE RECORDING. WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CD I WAS QUITE DISAPPOINTED IN THE SOUND RECORDING QUALITY. THE MUSIC AND VOCALS WERE AS I WOULD EXPECT FROM SUCH A GROUP BUT THEIR POTENTIAL MAGNIFICENCE IS UNFORTUNATELY NOT REALIZED BY THE LIMITED QUALITY OF THIS RECORDING PRODUCTION. I FELT AS IF I WAS LISTENING TO THEM SINGING AT A VFW HALL! THE VOICE DYNAMICS WERE CRUDE AND THEIR SOLOS WERE SOMEWHAT MUDDY. THIS GROUP DESERVES THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTION GIVEN TO THEM ON THE RIVERDANCE CD TO REALIZE THEIR FULL VOCAL POTENTIAL. I WILL CONTINUE TO LISTEN AND PURCHASE FUTURE RECORDINGS IN THE HOPE THAT SOMEONE WILL HAVE ENOUGH FORESIGHT TO RECORD THESE BRILLIANTLY TALENTED SINGERS IN THE MANOR BEFITTING THEIR VOCAL MAGNIFICENCE!

This first, self-titled release by Anuna is amazing to which to listen. It quickly becomes a favorite, whether it be to listen to relax, while you're online, or to enjoy while in the tub. And you'll easily convert others, just pop in the CD, and people are drawn in droves. ;-)

I was introduced to Anuna when they performed at a dinner I attended in Dublin. They sung completely a cappella and it was stunning. I was immediately hooked. I hunted for and bought this CD and Cynara before leaving Ireland. (this one is my favorite) My favorite tracks include 1,8,9,12,& 13. Actually, all the tracks are great. These are remarkably talented performers and the music is pure and moving. I highly recommend this CD.

Anuna's debut album is quite impressive and full of pieces that are sometimes beautiful, sometimes moving, sometimes odd, almost always interesting. Tracks 1, 8, and 16 are particularly special: 1 for the driving beat (both percussion and voice) that leaves you with a certainty of impending excitement, 8 for its sweetness and simple beauty, and 16 for pure uniqueness.

ANUNA is not as accomplished, nor as varied, nor as flowing as their later INVOCATION (1995), but if you're a fan of the group (wouldn't they be great live in a concert hall, say an old castle?) or of Irish music or chant, it's a great addition to your library.

This was the third CD I purchased by Anuna (the first being "Omnis" and the next, "Invocation", reviewed elsewhere on this sight) It encompasses a range of styles and moods which are all an integral part of Anuna's sound--from Medieval Latin text fragments to traditional Irish folk songs, to 19th century poetry set in elaborate and elegant contemporary choral arrangements by Anuna's composer/director, Michael McGlynn.

Highlights on this CD include:
*Media Vita-a 10th century chant that will get your heart pumping!
*The Raid-a tale of Irish warriors raiding a Viking encampment
*Silent, O Moyle-a beautiful melody by Ireland's quintessential poet, Thomas Moore, retelling the fate of the Children of Llyr
*Fionnghuala-Scottish mouth music (or, as I like to refer to it,"Celtic Rap"!)
*The Blue Bird-also recorded by John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers, this version is more languid and emotive.

For those listeners who are familiar with Anuna's beginnings with "Riverdance", this CD will serve as a satisfying introduction to the many other tonal flavours of Anuna. Not New Age, not Classical, not quite "traditional Irish"--the music of Anuna still begs for a category which has yet to be invented. There are other CD's available by this group--a web address in the CD jacket will point the way. Interestingly, this particular CD was re-recorded in 2001 with new singers and bonus tracks (but it is currently only available in Ireland). If you are interested in contemporary choral sounds with a Medieval Irish atmosphere, this CD will not disappoint.

Enjoy!

Anuna is such a blessing to Celt fans all over the world. Theirs is a definite traditional setting, and the power of their voices is both alluring and haunting at the same time. It brings such a vision to those who listen and meditate upon the music. It is a great addition to any new age compilation or to a serious Celtic Fan.