Customer Reviews

Romantic Themes & Celtic Dreams

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Alison Hood's rendition of Field's music is a mixture of new age and classical that _works_! Perfect album for a romantic evening.

oh my god...what a lucky day for me when i read the reviews on this album and decided to check it out. this young irish pianist plays the music of field in a arranged in a unique and wonderful way by the well known composer and arranger phil coulter...i'm quite sure the classical snobs will have a "field" day with this one but i hope they have the foresight to look deeper into the beautiful playing on this album and realise that this is the perfect way to bring the music of one of irelands best kept secrets, john field, to a new audience. i look forward to the next album from alison hood. not only does she look wonderful, but she plays like an angel.

This CD is really excellent, a refreshing modern interpretation of John Field's music. Supporting "new age" instruments add greatly to the music but are subtle enough not to intrude on the piano pieces and Alison's excellent performances. Phil Coulter as producer of the CD is testament to its quality.

This is a real find. I'm already congratulating myself at having made the discovery and having the sense to buy it. It really is a wonderful album.

I started out as a fan of New Age music, drifting gradually into Romantical Classical. This album for me has the best of both worlds. I must confess I never heard of the composer John Field or the pianist Alison Hood, but boy what a combination.

I came to learn that John Field was an Irish composer, much admired by Chopin, who invented the Nocturne -- melodic, not overly long, moody and nocturnal. Alison Hood is a stunning young Irish pianist who looks like a Goddess and plays like an angel.

Those two are meant for each other!

Hood's exquisitely sensuous and sensitive readings of Field's glorious melodies sing out against a hypnotic backdrop of New Age Keyboard colors. Occasional, and always tasteful, use of Irish pipes and whistles add a haunting Celtic dimension which I found enchanting.

This whole package is a treat from start to finish. Your eyes are first seduced by the classy cover shot of the delectable Miss Hood, then your ears are seduced by some of the most Romantic music I've ever heard. I highly recommend it!

i had the pleasure of meeting this artist recently, and she is just as special in real life as she is on cd. her beautiful playing is only enhanced by her personality which has made listening to this album even more of a pleasure since meeting her. her skill as a pianist is obvious on every track but really comes into its own on 'around the fairy tree', 'a love is lost but not forgotten' and, my favourite by a long way, 'o'er the moor o'er the mountains'. i will continue to listen to this album daily as i have done since last may, and enjoy the memories.

I would like to compliment Alison on her beautiful playing and Dave cooke for his unique and complimentary arrangement of this album. This album brought John Field into the present age and transformed it without destroying it. I am not a clasical boffin but this has sparked my interest.

Alison Hood plays the nocturnes of Irish composer John Field with a soft, gentle perfection; never jarring or heavy,even in the most difficult pieces. The softly played whistles and pipes lend interest and an Irish touch to several of the selections. Delightful to listen to at the end of a stressful day.

just played this lovely album after losing it for more than a year and it is still a pleasure to listen to... reminds me of some great times and of a special birthday this month... it will always be special. r

With the piano being the main instrument, there should be less need for the synthesizer. Easy listening, very pleasant elevator or telephone music. Phil Coulter is credited, but it sounds too much like his work, and has nothing distinguishing. The front cover picture takes away totally from the general ambience of the music, and one might wonder if the CD is promoting wonderbras or music.