Customer Reviews

Traditional Songs of Wales

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

 

 

this CD is wonderful either as a first introduction to Welsh traditional songs or as a sterling example of modern singing in an old tradition. Siwsann George and her gang keep it pure and real -- all traditional instruments and arrangements -- yet it sounds completely timeless and relevant. Her rich but never pretentious voice is a perfect instrument for these well-chosen songs, which range from love themes to social commentary, to humor tunes, to a pair of obscure but beautiful carols, to a lullaby, to a delightful goat-counting song (!) that doubles as a tongue-twister. Accompaniment ranges from a triple harp (wonderful playing) to fiddle and crwth, accordian, pennywhistle, and, at one point, rhythmic clogging, which is far better heard than described. A few songs are in English but most are in Welsh, with complete lyrics and translations included in the booklet, as well as interesting tidbits of background information on most songs. This CD is a good choice whether your primary Welsh interest is music, language or general culture. I bought it two years ago and it is still constantly in my CD player.

This CD has a good all around sampling of traditional Welsh music, well worth getting and listening to again and again.

It's astonishing to listen to these songs, that seem really coming from an ancient world, but at the same time sound so delightfully melodic. Unfortunately I don't know welsh gaelic language, but perhaps this ignorance increase the magic: the sound of that unique language add more suggestion to the wonderful vocal lines that are actually able to remind of green hills landscapes, enchanted and forgotten ruins and mysteious depths of earth.
I really recommend this item to all those of you who seek music that allows to travel being comfortably sat on our couch.

Siwsann George's group is fantastic. It's a crying shame they only did one albume

There are several things that make this album worth listenting to:
- The old Welsh melodies themselves are very beautiful; they rival anything from the musical tradition of Ireland.
- Siwsann George has a lovely voice, and her accent is really charming.
- The recording isn't "over-produced." The sound is clear, and it's easy to hear the lyrics.
- The album comes with a booklet that contains all the lyrics in both Cymraeg and English.

All in all, if you're a fan of this things Welsh, this CD is worth getting. I only wish that there were more of Ms.George's work available.