Customer Reviews

Celtic Twilight 6

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

 

 

Noticing only one review on this album of Celtic music, and with a rather low evaluation at that, prompted me to add another as perhaps a sort of counter-balance.
I think most people would agree that to glance hurriedly at a poem, or a Shakespearean play, for example, would not do justice to it as a work of art. Many subtleties only begin to take form upon repeated exposure, or in the case of this CD, repeated listenings, or with a more appreciative and deeper attention.
The first track sets the tone for the album with a light-hearted piece which belies any notions that Celtic music must be faithfully 'traditional'. Much of Celtic music with long, drawn-out notes played on flutes, bagpipes and violins can be quite melancholic with at times an overly deep pathos. Or conversely, it is those soon-tiring higher-speed jigs which seem to be needed to counterbalance that more melancholic music.
Fiona Joyce's ballad about the "Sweet Surrender" to love is a wonderful piece, elevating us to the joy and passion of a fresh love. It is sung with a melodic emotion that conveys the tenderness and grace of a found-again feeling of love without having it sounding like a first-time teenage fantasy come true.
The track by Capercaille is melodic and enchanting.
The instrumental piece by Davy Spillane had me researching other albums with his work as his music carries a soulful melody that flirts somewhere between aching memories and a hope for happier times about to unfold.
Joanie Madden's "Bantry Girls Lament" is in a more traditional vein, yet she sings convincingly as a Irish woman who has known pain and is stronger for it.
The album gives a nice mix of vocals and instrumental music, with the mix of artists making for a musical variety.
'Nuf said to make the point. Give the album the opportunity to 'grow on you'. The music has many elements of more modern strains woven into it, yet stays within the Celtic traditions, making it a refreshing addition to your collecton of music. Probably worth more like 4-1/2 stars, if Amazon would let us grade that way.

I have all of the Celtic Twilight series and found both #6 & #7 to be a departure from the quiet beauty that marked the first CD's in the series. If there is a #8, I will preview it, but will not promise a purchase, until after the preview.