Customer Reviews

The Fairie Round

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

 

 

If you think Celtic folk music is mostly a matter of half-drunken guys singing "The Unicorn" at a smoky Irish pub, then give this CD an open-minded listen. The shimmering virtuosity and sheer lovely performance alone makes this an exceptional recording, but the superb production is equalled by the rich colors of Shelley Phillips' musical palette. Phillips, along with her husband Barry and fellow acoustic virtuosos Neal Hellman and Barry Coulter, has arranged a set of traditional and early-music tunes for oboe, harp, cello, dulcimer, English horn, whistle, guitar, bassoon, and flute--with the result being an album that blurs the line separating folk from chamber music. Yes, it is beautiful, at times achingly so. This music never overpowers, but gently seduces the listener with its understated elegance. And for those listeners of a mystical/spiritual turn of mind, songs like the traditional "Chanter's Tune" or Turlough O'Carolan's "Planxty Burke" evoke a sense of otherworldly yearning -- as if it were the Good People themselves playing this music. Highly recommended!

I have been a fan of Shelley Phillips for some years and am ever so happy to purchase her recordings. "The Fairie Round" is my favorite recording because it evokes a "Renaissance feeling," as though you have stepped back in time to centuries gone by and are dancing at a courtly gathering or frolicking in a wild, green pasture. My toddler loves it, too. Track number eight is her favorite and she dances everytime she hears it. Well worth the purchase.

This is one of my favorite compact discs. Shelley Phillips (and others) gives a wonderful performance of a wide variety of early music. Highly recommended.

I discovered this tape/cd years ago when I first began my journey on the pagan path. I was looking for something to play in the background for my first Winter Solstice gathering and this tape/cd fit the bill perfectly! I use this for just about every magical gathering that I've had and even use it when I feel the "real world" has gotten the better of me. I've gone on to use this so much that I've worn out the tape and need to buy the CD to replace it. If you're looking for something to add to your exsisting renaissance collection or just looking for something soothing as background music for your day this is it!

oh my goodness! i had this C.D. when i was younger and lost it! I have been looking for it for years but couldnt remember the name!! I just had to share my joy! thank you amazon recommendations!