Book of Kells [Import]

Iona, ??? | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 4, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Open Sky UK
• ASIN: B00009Z5IA
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,016 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The book of Kells' is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels, written in Latin and dating back to the 8th century. This album, based on the book, took just a few of the many amazing illustrated pages as its inspiration, along with related scriptures from the Bible, Natural sounds, such as those of the sea, wind and rain are used on the album as they are the sounds that would have been heard by the monks who began the book on the island of Iona. Tracks: 1.Kells Opening Theme 2. Revelation 3. Matthew - The Man 4. Chi Rho 5. Mark - The Lion 6. The River Flows 7. Luke - The Calf 8. Virgin &Child 9. Temptation 10. The Arrest - Gethsemane 11. Trinity - The Godhead 12. John - The Eagle 13. Kells 14. Eternity - No Beginning, No End

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christian Celtic Progressive Rock Concept Album?, July 24, 2004

By 

J. Rich - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Book of Kells (Audio CD)

Iona, for those of who have never heard of them, are a Christian progressive rock band that from the British Isles. They are an amazingly talented group! Their music is very hard to describe in a only a few short sentences. They are a very atmospheric band that has a remarkable musicianship. All of these musicians in this band are WORLD-CLASS. They can play in any style and do anything they want, because they have the talent. Iona are the following musicians:

Dave Bainbridge - guitar, keyboards, programming

Joanne Hogg - vocals, keyboards

David Fitzgerald - tenor/alto saxophones, flute, piccolo

Nick Beggs - Chapman stick, Wal's 5-string bass

Terl Bryant - drums and percussion

Frank Van Essen - percussion, violin

Troy Donockley - uillean pipes, low whistle

Guest Musicians - Robert Fripp (King Crimson) - guitar, soundscapes, Fiona Davidson - celtic harp, The Paul Whitfield Strings - ensemble violins/violas, the congregation of Kessington Temple Church

Now the music of this album is very conceptual or in other words its music and lyrics all follow a theme that progresses through the album. The album is VERY progressive. It is such a beautiful album. There isn't anything harsh or distorted about this album at all. I think it's a shame that musicians and groups of this caliber aren't recognized in the United States. There is so much good music here that anyone that has musical ears or that plays an instrument can appreciate it. This album also won several awards. One of them being "Best International Album" by Dove. I think Christian music should take some pointers from these masters as they rely heavily on the music to lead. There aren't many vocals on this album at all, because it's mostly instrumental. I understand the importance of lyrics in Christian music, but not all Christian music has to have vocals. Music speaks a voice by itself. Listen to this album and open your heart and you will not be disappointed.

I also highly recommend the following Iona albums:

Open Sky

Journey into the Morn

Beyond These Shores

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent World Class production., November 9, 2005

By 

Steve in Seattle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Book of Kells (Audio CD)

I've had this album for nearly 12 years now and have likely listened to it hundreds of times. I also own a published copy of the ancient manuscript, The Book of Kells. This album is an epic of discovery through the enlightened Gospels and the band/composers should be commended for their musical interpretation of such an important bit of history. I studied the copy of the manuscript initially with this very album playing in the background...it was a perfect soundscape. Several of the songs are titled based on the individual Illuminated Gospels themselves. Mark the Man is one that stands out, but each track is a 10 on its own!

The band takes its name from the island between England/Scotland and Ireland. The history of illuminated Gospels extends to the Island of Iona, so it was highly appropriate that the band, made up of members from both islands, should create and perform "The Book of Kells".

Excellent - better than 5 stars.

Steve in Seattle

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Celtic-Christian Prog, December 20, 2006

By 

Lucie Peek "LJP" (SBI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Book of Kells (Audio CD)

Let me start by saying I LOVE Iona. I can't think of anything bad to say about them. The music itself is so passionate and meaningful and the orchestrations are amazing. Personally I think it was a great idea to write an entire song cycle about a thousand year old illuminated manuscript of the four gospels and what they mean to the faith of the musicians. Inspiration from something so deep and personal clearly resulted in a deeply, personal composition. Iona is wonderful and this album was an excellent addition to my library.

Another excellent Iona masterpiece is the live album with the All Souls Orchestra. It has some pieces from The Book of Kells, and some from other albums, and it is really beautiful.