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Christmas Reviews.Com
The
beauty of this 2-CD set is enhanced by the music being
sung in both Gaelic and English. The Gaelic versions are
quite enchanting. Similar in some respects to an Enya
record, the style is a bit less obtuse and ethereal. Úna
Ní Bhaoighill's delicate pop vocals mix quite nicely
with the percussive new age instrumentals. The work maintains
an irresistible exotic flavor. Orla Maher's English
rendition of the same songs offers a rare contrast: the
opportunity to compare two very different singers' interpretations
of the same songs, using essentially the same arrangements.
Maher's classic sensibilities hold up nicely next to Bhaoighill's
pop renditions. The thirteen songs used for both recordings
are primarily familiar sacred tunes. However, the arrangments
were marked by novel cadences that were quite refreshing.
The entire project is brilliantly conceived and well-executed.
If you like Enya, you will like this.
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MP3 Review
Such
a release was perhaps inevitable in this present climate
of enthusiasm for our national language. However, it is
the style with which Amhráin Nollag addresses the
twin objectives of entertainment and education that deserves
our accolades. Most of the songs are one hundred to two
hundred years old. Yet their presentation on Amhráin
Nollag comfortably fits into the most up to date new
age genre at the dawn of the new millennium. The
sounds and ambience of Enya are very much in evidence
on Amhráin Nollag.
Traditional
Christmas values have been enriched by translation into
Irish of the worlds best known and most loved Christmas
songs and carols. Yet knowledge or understanding of a
word or even a syllable of Irish is not a prerequisite
for its enjoyment. This is an album for all. Yet
it is sure to fuel further interest in our national language.
The bilingual presentation of the CD booklet in this 2
CD Value Pack will find favour with music teachers
everywhere who have an interest in things Irish. The
lyrics for all 14 songs are set out clearly in both Irish
and English. Expact that many thousands will be
singing songs and carols as gaeilge before
this festive season is over.
The
provision of a second CD with the same 14 songs in English
is more than just another of the many touches that goes
to make Amhráin Nollag a comprehensive and unique
bilingual package. Its inclusion unveils the delight of
discovery of a bright new vocal talent that is Orla
Maher. This, her first ever recording, heralds an
exciting career prospect for this promising 19 year old
singer.
All
the songs are arranged and produced by DAGDA songwriter
Reg Keating who also pens two new songs in the collection.
Perhaps the only downside of Amhráin Nollag is
his omission of an as gaeilge version of his seasonal
hit, Christmas time is here again.
The
2 CD pack is available in shops throughout Ireland at
the super value price of Ir£9.99 and also via the Owl
web site
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