Search - Enoch (Easthorpe) Martin, Research Composer, Thomas Moore :: Kiri Te Kanawa - Danny Boy (Folk Songs & Ballads)

British Folk Songs And Ballads Sung by Dame Kiri

stardustraven | Europe | 01/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dame Kiri Te Kanawa presented to her listeners with 'Danny Boy (Folk Songs & Ballads)' a wonderful collection of folk songs and ballads from the British Isles. I've always loved folk songs and the tracks of which this album is comprised are very well loved and in all cases classics, whether they are credited to anonymous composers or not. All of these songs appeal directly to the listeners's ear, at least this is certainly valid in my case as these songs forever dwell in a corner of my heart. Dame Kiri's beautiful, lyrical soprano is perfectly suited to these simple and appealing songs and on this album she is in truly glorious voice. With tenderness, humour, warmth Dame Kiri delivers a beautiful, superb and poetical performance of these songs. Effortlessly she brings out every shade and nuance of these songs. The members of the National Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Douglas Gamley and The Medici String Quartet lend her a very strong and solid support. The booklet contains liner notes and the texts of the songs.Her interpretation of Thomas Moore's 'The Last Rose Of Summer', 'Éarly One Morning' , 'The Ash Grove', 'She Is Far From The Land', 'The Sally Gardens' (Yeats), 'Danny Boy' and especially the unforgettable 'Greensleeves' are riveting, ravishing and achingly beautiful. She's perky and humorous in 'The Keel Row', 'Comin' Thro' The Rye', 'O Can Ye Sew Cushions' or 'I Have A Bonnet Trimmed With Blue'. All in all for those who love Dame Kiri and the lovely British folk songs and ballads which are featured here an indispensable and truly beautiful album."

THIS DAME CAN SING!...

Lawyeraau | Balmoral Castle | 03/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Singing a collection of folk songs and ballads of Great Britain, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa puts her glorious soprano to interpreting these simple favorites. As a result, an astonishing recording has emerged for those who favor folk songs. Simply arranged and accompanied by members of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as by the Medici String Quartet, the songs resonate with the mark of Dame Kanawa upon them, making them more memorable than ever.



The use of a small orchestra and the prominence of the harp is most effective, rendering the accompaniment an appropriate backdrop for the most important instrument of all in this recording, the magnificent voice of Dame Kanawa. There are fifteen glorious tracks on this cd that are sure to delight the discerning listener, particularly those who are attuned to the folk tradition in music. My particular favorites are "Early One Morning", "Annie Laurie", "Greensleeves", and "Danny Boy"."