Customer Reviews

Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King

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

 

 

Anonymous 4 has brought us a beautiful selection of 19 traditional songs from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. These include a lesser known work by Henry VIII as well as more contemporary songs by John Tavener, Richard Bennett, Geoffrey Burgon and Benjamin Britten, and a piece commissioned for the group from Peter Davies. Andrew Lawrence-King accompanies on Irish harp, Baroque harp and psaltery. There is a short essay on the traditions and legacy of the concept of Yule, a Cetic midwinter celebration, and this and the informative liner notes are given in English, French and German, accompanied by Celtic drawings.

The songs are pure, simple and very beautiful -- a welcome addition to your holiday listening.

This is a remarkable quartet, singing with purity and style, from the haunting to the merry, medieval chant to modern settings of Celtic religious texts. Where there are arrangements, they are lovely and the instrumental pieces are simple and beautiful. This is the first time I have heard this group of women, and I am enchanted. It's a cappella at its very best: look to your laurels, King's Singers and Chanticleer, here come the ladies!

As usual, Anonymous 4 has researched (usually one year) and compiled an album of music that flows as if the pieces were written to be performed together. The musicality and the pitch is impeccable. Those who gave few stars to this recording and performance are commenting with regard to personal preference rather than truly rating this wonderful performance. These women research, arrange and perform historic pieces that present programs in a set time period. Lovely, just lovely. As a musician, I find no fault with this compilation.

Beautifully performed old carols and some more poular ones heard commonly at Christmas in modern times sung very well in good harmony. Andrew Lawrence-King is a favorite musician and selects memorable music to perform and record.

Purchased for myself. I am very fond of the Anonymous 4 and was looking for a Christmas CD to add to my collection of holiday music. There are some old folk/celtic melodies on here. I like this CD very much and will definitely be purchasing more Anonymous 4 CD's in future.

Seller was great. Product not what I hoped for. But above average as far as Celtic music goes.

Very pretty with vocals and insturmentals. However, if you're looking for something that's actually Pagan and has Yule carols keep looking.

The recording is fine . . . it just didn't appeal to me personally