Customer Reviews

Celtic Christmas: A Windham Hill Sampler

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It was probably inevitable, and certainly a good idea, that after having produced the Winter's Solstice series of holiday music CD's, Windham Hill would offer a series that, while similar in mood, is more specifically Celtic in nature. This CD is the first in that series and is most welcome. However, to label it exclusively Christmas music would appear to unfairly pigeonhole it, and circumscribe what should be a more universal appeal. It's just as enjoyable in July as in December.

I like this Christmas album because it's not full of cheesy Christmas carols like Deck the Halls and Silent Night. It actually doesn't sound very Christmasy at all. It's soft, beautiful, haunting. I put the Luka Bloom song "Ciara" on repeat. I'd rather have this song stuck in my head than any other song I can think of. Very relaxing, peaceful music.

I found this CD in a shop off of Piazza Navona in Rome (hence I beg the forgiveness of Amazon.com) four or five years ago. It was then entitled "A Celtic Season". After hearing one or two cuts in the store, I knew that I had to have this in my collection.

I would be hard put to pick a favorite cut. I usually drift off into some deep inner space when I listen to this CD, and hardly notice when the tracks change. No I'm not unconscious. It is just that the playing order is so exquisitely well thought out.

If anyone is looking for an introductory CD to Celtic music, this is the one to choose. You will no doubt find yourself reading and rereading the liner notes as you seek out more works of these artists, as soloists or in their collaborations.

This is not actually a review. It's more of a plea to those who may know more about Phil Cunningham and Manus Lunny. The song "When the Snow Melts" just sends chill up my spine. Can anyone out there tell me where to find more of their music. I've checked everywhere.

wE BOUGHT THIS CD JUST ON A WHIM AND IT HAS BECOME OUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CD. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, PERFECT BACKGROUND FOR ENTERTAINING OR RELAXING.

The songs on this CD don't sound especially Christmas-y, and they wouldn't be out of place played on a July afternoon, but they still capture the feeling of the winter season. This is a pleasant, easy-listening collection for people who love Celtic music.

If what you're looking for is the same Caroles or kitch-y Christmas songs rehashed, then this is not the CD for you.

But if you are looking for Celtic music at its mystical, ethereal, lovely and evocative best, this is the right CD for you. With the likes of Altan, Loreena McKennitt, Luka Bloom, Liam O'Flynn and Carlos Nunez represented on this work, you cannot go wrong.

I play this CD over and over, along with Celtic Christmas II.

An excellent collection of Celtic music from many contemporary Celtic artists. There's not a bad track on the CD. If you're looking for "christmas-y" music in the vein of Mannheim Steamroller, look elsewhere. This is the real stuff, from solemn, to joyous, to reflective. I can't recommend it enough.

Nice variety of Celtic songs for the Holidays and all the days after! Perfect for playing in the background during dinner and a bit louder during clean-up!

This is a beautiful recording, very soothing and melodic. Windham Hill's music is needed in these troubled times.