Product Details

• Actors: John McDermott, Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan
• Format: Classical, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Mastermind
• VHS Release Date: October 5, 1999
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000296R9
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,500 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  #22 in	Video > Music Video & Concerts > World Music
  #63 in	Video > Musicals & Performing Arts > Opera
  #97 in	Video > Musicals & Performing Arts > Classical

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This 1998 television concert, produced in Dublin for U.S. exhibition, suggests a cheerful reversal of the formula behind the epochal Three Tenors extravaganzas that became classical crossover behemoths during the '90s: instead of operatic superstars pitching a mixture of high art and crossover fare to the masses, these lesser-known singers dress up venerable Irish parlor and folk melodies with symphonic backing and project them with operatic power and technique.

Craggy, curly haired John McDermott is actually Canadian Irish, while partners Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan (who resembles a younger, better-fed Wallace without his faithful dog, Gromit) are true citizens of Eire; all three have big, powerful voices and are unafraid of the sort of emotive zeal associated with Irish music before the Celtic revival that surfaced in Ireland during the '50s and then expanded on a global scale. In this respect, fans of authentic Celtic music as well as its cannier pop variants may well find McDermott, Kearns, and Tynan downright corny, lobbing venerable tear-jerkers such as "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen," "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and, inevitably, "Danny Boy" with great fervor. Even those songs that hew more closely to folk sources get rafter-rattling treatments, epitomized by an over-the-top "Will Ye Go, Lassie Go?" that may sound downright fevered alongside more introspective, balladic interpretations familiar to folk audiences.

Clearly, however, the Irish Tenors aren't courting fans of the Chieftains, Enya, or U2. Rather, these forthright singers are unapologetic vocal conservatives and heart-on-sleeve sentimentalists comfortable with an old Irish stereotype so square that it's suddenly hip, particularly when raising funds for public TV. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Irish Eyes Are Smiling (and others' too!), December 3, 1999

By A Customer

This video was a startling surprise with its Irish songs sung by three tenors who had recently met and whose styles are so different! Yet, their voices and personalities blended smoothly into a heartwarming performance, backed up by full orchestral harmonies. It was evident they appreciated the music and each other. I'll be watching it many times when I want a lift for the soul, and sending it to others for a little bit of Christmas joy.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Wonderful! Only the Angels Sing Better!, July 2, 2000

By	P. Ratliff (MS United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Where do I start? I first watched this on a PBS fundraiser, and I had to have it! With voices from John Mcdermott, Ronan Tynan, and Anthony Kearns you can't go wrong. When John Mcdermott sings "Danny Boy" it brings goosebumps! You can just see a mother giving her son her blessings to go to America, yet knowing the next time they meet she will probably be in the grave. When John sings "The Old Man", WOW! The song is about John missing his own deceased father. After listening to the song, I immediately turned around and told my daddy I loved him. It really makes you appreciate your father even more. Anthony Kearns is schooled in opera, and his voice proves it. His voice is powerful, and beautiful. When he sung "Grace", I was literally brought to tears. "Grace" is about a soldier, who is about to be executed in the morning, saying good-bye to his wife (who he just married). It is powerful! Ronan Tynan has a voice, that I am sure, can shatter glass. His voice is strong yet beautifully controlled. I encourage viewers to research his biography--it is very heart lifting. When he sings "Town I Love So Well", you can just visualize the land, and fall in love with it yourself! When the trio comes together and sing, it is an experience of a lifetime. "Danny Boy", when sang by all of them, is heavenly. A refreshingly fun song, "Spanish Lady", lets the trio have fun, and interact with each other. I highly recommend this video. After going thru a rollercoaster ride of emotions, I cannot sing enough praises (because I can't carry a tune in a bucket)! It is simply out of this world!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected Delight, December 18, 1999

By A Customer

I am one of those people who never gave much thought to Irish music. Moreover, I usually don't like those prepacked three tenors things, as they get old quickly. My husband, who is Irish-American, had seen the video on PBS, and thought it was wonderful. We watched it together last week, and I was blown away by the beauty of the voices, the music, and the three charismatic singers. I had tears in my eyes by the finish. If you don't think you'd like an evening of Irish music and would just as soon pass this one by, think again.