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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A spiritual invocation you might not find anywhere else., June 24, 2001
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.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Music is fantastic, but it took a while to get me hooked, September 18, 2002
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.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Latin is pure, the Celtic Music stunning!, July 24, 1998
By A Customer
The best thing that I can say about this CD, is that I never get tired of listening to it.
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