Customer Reviews

Celtic Tale: Legend of Deirdre

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This lush, evocative "soundtrack" by the Brothers Danna brings to life the legend of Deirdre with mystery, excitement, sorrow and Celtic flare. Mychael and Jeff's melodies for whistle, fiddle, soprano, harp and plaintive pipes penetrate the heart and linger on in memory long after the CD player has been turned off. And unlike many folk and new age compositions, this music has real complexity and depth. No excessive repetition here--the harmonies move and change, percussion varies, themes emerge and fade, and the melodies travel onward from beginning to end. This is a true symphony of sound, featuring sixteen talented solo-musicians backed by the Utah Orchestra. "A Celtic Tale: The Legend of Deirdre" actually comes in two versions: music only, and the same music as background for "The Thistle and Shamrock's" Fiona Ritchie while she narrates the story in her delightful brogue. If you like this recording, try the very lovely and complimentary "A Celtic Romance: The Legend of Liadain and Curithir", also by the Danna brothers, and also the surprisingly similar "The Merlin Mystery" by Alkaemy.

I have listened to this CD so many times since I bought it. It is absolutely the most beautiful piece of work I have heard in a long time. Each piece of music has it's own mood, and each mood is appropriate for that part of the story. The use of sound effects in some of the songs is very effective, and I think this is one of the few CD's I own where the bagpipes didn't end up dominating all of the other instruments in the orchestra. I can imagine the story of Deirdre and Naoise as the CD plays along, and I find this to be a good musical retelling of one of my most favorite stories. My only concern here is that the story included with the CD is not an accurate translation of the story of Naoise and Deirdre. Rather, it seems to be like so many of the edited versions of the tale I've read where the author takes out what he doesn't like and makes the story to suit his own personal taste. This is the version that the music of the CD is based on, and since it doesn't mar my experience as long as I don't read it, I think it would have been better to go with the original tale instead of a "Hollywood" version. (Deirdre kills herself in the original tale, she doesn't simply die from grief).

Really. I had never heard anything about Mychael Danna, nor Jeff Danna. I knew nothing about Deirdre. Just I saw a beautiful cover, so I asked to the dealer for a chance to listen to samples of this CD. It was not possible, as it was sealed and it was the only one they had. So I bought it and run to my home to listen the music. It was wonderful, even now is one of my favorites and I can dare to anybody: listen those beautiful sounds with celtic flavour, full of emotions, melancholy as strenght. You will never forget it.

"A Celtic Tale, the Legend of Deidre" is in itself, the most incredible, hauntingly beautiful, soul singing CD I have ever heard. I bought copies for everyone I know so they may share in this most lovely, spiritual, again haunting music. I cannot imagine life without it. Thank you Mychael and Jeff!!! Blessings, Kelli K. McNees

This is the second time I am purchasing this CD. I played it over and over so many times over a period of two years that I damaged the disc. The music is so beautiful that I see it! This could be great meditation music for those so inclined.

I stumbled onto this CD in '97 and what a find! I was not prepared for the haunting melodies that this CD holds. A majestic begining soon gives way to a somber and heart-tearing journey that increases as the album progresses to a final, lonely climax. Anyone who has ever lost someone that they love can, and will, empathize, relish and embrace this music. I have not heard its equal, nor do I expect to for some time. Also is great to write along with. I used it in a creative writing class of mine and it was a big hit with my classmates. I would not recommend, however, the alternate version of this record that places narrative over the music. It is a distraction and removes a large part of the listeners ability to create the story in thier mind; which is much more powerful than a strangers voice. Besides, it is to much fun to read along with the music as the story unfolds. If you do not own this album, you are wrong!

Mychael and Jeff Danna have created the single most beautiful album in existence. I cannot get enough of this CD. I have used "South By Sail" as the processional song in my wedding, and I plan on using "The Drowning Plains" in my memorial service. I cannot sit through that song without bawling my eyes out (I'm doing it right now!). The legend of Deirdre could not have been told through song more beautifully. This recording ranks as highly on my personal list of all-time beautiful musical compositions as the original legend does in Celtic literature. Not to be missed!

This is an overall good piece although I think that the pipes tend to overdominate the sound. It would be wonderful with a movie or novel based on the story of Deirdre because it tells the story through its music. A good CD for fans of Celtic music who desire to listen to Celtic instruments without accompanying vocalization.

A Celtic Tale is a piece of artwork. Something that is unforgetable. Haunting melodies and vocals that tell of a legend that is heartwrenching as well as beautiful. Just close your eyes while you listen and the story comes to life. You can see Deirdre before you as well as the two yew trees there on the hill. Don't know what I'm talking about? You'll understand when you open it up and pop it in to your CD player, and like the rest of us, you'll be hooked.

I purchased another CD from Mychael and Jeff Danna, "The Legend of Liadain and Curithir" and wanted to see if their other works were just as good. They didn't disappoint. The music on "The Legend of Deidre" is very moving and pulls the listener in. Not to mention I love being able to read the actual legend that inspired the music.