The Virgin's Lament (Caoineadhi Na Maighdine) [Import]

Noirin Ni Riain (Composer), Irish Traditional (Composer), Christmas Traditional (Composer), Pilib O Laoghaire (Composer), Cait Ni Ghallchobhair (Composer), Gregorian Chant (Composer), Nóirín Ní Riain (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Nóirín Ní Riain
• Composer: Noirin Ni Riain, Irish Traditional, Christmas Traditional, Pilib O Laoghaire, Cait Ni Ghallchobhair, et al.
• Audio CD (September 29, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Sounds True Direct
• ASIN: B00000BIB4
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151,084 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The union between the well-respected Irish singer Nóirín Ní Riain and the monks of Glenstal is a perfect one. Ní Riain's lovely soprano tenderly chimes over the monks' deeper vocal blanket as they sing medieval Celtic religious songs in the sean nos or "old style" tradition--subtly varying enunciation and tempo. Singing in Gaelic and Latin Gregorian plainchant, Ní Riain delicately wavers and flies throughout Limerick's Glenstal Abbey, creating an angelic and purely holy atmosphere. On closer listen, it's actually the Glenstal monks who occasionally have trouble keeping up with Ní Riain's vocal mastery--though their lower, male voices provide a refreshing, grounding counterpart to her delicate, high tone. The last track, "The Blessed Virgin's Keening," offers a particular highlight of the extraordinary call-and-response littered throughout this album. One of the Glenstal monks takes the solo male vocal and the result is a lovely, repetitive, masslike conclusion to the CD. Ní Riain has also authored books on Celtic culture and Gregorian chant. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite Gaelic plainsong, June 7, 2000

By 

M. J. Smith (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Virgin's Lament (Caoineadhi Na Maighdine) (Audio CD)

The 11 1/2 minute final track - "The Blessed Virgin's Keening" - is sufficient justification for this album. The monks of Glenstal are superb in this antiphonal (call & response) plainsong sung in Gaelic. It is repetitive but never boring as there are constantly subtle changes keeping the listener's interest. "Mary's Keening" which begins the album is a perfect counterpoint to the final piece. "The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary" is probably the most recognized piece on the album - and again an excellent rendition. There are no poor tracks - give this a listen and I'm sure you'll want an encore.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, July 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Virgin's Lament (Caoineadhi Na Maighdine) (Audio CD)

The music is beautiful and lulling, and her voice is pure and feminine in a hauntingly lovely way. I found this music to be spiritually inspirational and utterly peaceful. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Celtic music, Gregogorian chants, spiritual music, or a pure soprano voice.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gaelic Treasure!, September 15, 2004

By 

semperfidelis "udayajmj" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Virgin's Lament (Caoineadhi Na Maighdine) (Audio CD)

A wonderful work: a unique blend of traditional spiritual Gaelic songs against a backdrop of Gregorian chant(also in Gaelic!)....a truly unique work. It is a feast for the ears as well as the mind. Close your eyes and you will see the beauty and mystery of the Emerald isle.Pity that its only 41 minutes.........