Great cd by one of the finest repertory groups around
B. Wilson | Wilmore, KY | 06/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had a chance to see this marvelous group live at a concert I covered for my college paper. I was immediately taken with their unique sound, for they not only present baroque music expertly, but more like it would have sounded at the time of its creation than most of it we hear today from other musicians and ensembles. They evinced a true joy in their music making, and nowhere was that more evident that night than during the selections they performed from this CD. Something about the lilting sounds of Scottish and Irish music brings out the fun personality of this multi-sided group. I also was able to meet and interview the foursome afterwards and found them not only to be wonderful musicians, but pleasant and accomodating individuals. They even gave me a copy of this CD and autographed it. Recommended highly."
A splendid album from an outstanding group
B. Wilson | 04/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a collection of Baroque sonatas and tunes from Scotland and Ireland. The album combines Chatham Baroque with Chris Norman on wooden flute. The result is moving violin lines and delightfully light flute that combine to give this music the distinctive lilts of Scotland and Ireland. It is just delightful to the ear -- I don't normally think of sonatas as something to dance to, but listening to this album, I wanted to dance."
Exceptional, timeless beauty with physiological effects
Mr Russell S. Wollman | Fairfield, Iowa United States | 06/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This absolutely lovely recording has some of the finest sounds ever made by man.Especially noteworthy are the works of James Oswald. His delicate, graceful, and refined "Sonata of Scots Tunes" will, without fail, deeply penetrate the heart and gently lift one to finer emotions and feelings. That, in my estimation, is the function of all art: to allow the individual to transcend the limitations of his existence.Hearing this music, among the thoughts that enter my mind are a desire to go back in time and to know the composers whose fine gifts we can still enjoy."
Terrific! Great fun!
Brianna Neal | USA | 11/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In addition to their own consistently rich, sincere sound, Chatham Baroque does wonderful things with guest artists, creating different lush soundscapes with each release. This time the guest artist is Chris Norman, master of the wooden flute and member of such other ensembles as the Baltimore Consort and Helicon. The result of the collaboration is a jaunty yet elegant blend of the Italian and native folk styles popular in 17th century Scotland. This kind music is a perfect showcase for the soulful violin (or should I say fiddle?) playing of Julie Andrijeski and Emily Davidson, as well as Norman's wooden flute, which weaves and slides its way around a melody as well as any tin whistle and with more depth of tone. Patricia Halverson's gamba, and no less than three stringed instruments of Scott Pauley (theorbo, Baroque quitar and archlute), fit in seamlessly--gentle and grounding in the more Italianate pieces, lively and spirited in the folksier numbers. This breezy, cheerful CD should charm fans of classical and Celtic music alike. For an equally enjoyable recording with some similar qualities, try the Palladian Ensemble's "Held By the Ears," which also celebrates a fusion of traditional Scottish music with the high styles of the Baroque."
Through the wood and on the green...
NotATameLion | Michigan | 04/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the intense boiling pot of politics, social change, and cultural flowering that was Eighteenth Century Scotland came great music. This recording by Chris Norman and the Chatham Baroque showcases just how great that music was--and is.This disc brings together tunes from masters like Turlough O'Carolan, James Oswald, and William McGibbon. The melding of Scottish tunes with an Italian Baroque sensibility creates an entirely fresh and startling music. One need only here "Carden's Welcome" for proof that this is great music.More and more, I am becoming a fan of the multifaceted talent that is the Chatham Baroque. I enjoyed their album "Sol y Sombra" immensely. This album blows me away. Not only have they taken on a whole different repertoire here, they have done it with exceeding excellence.Chris Norman is also in top form. I would place this album up there with "Lullaby Journey" as among his best. When Norman is on, there is no one who can come close to his musical ability and the sheer beauty of his playing. He is "on" here...Big Time."Reel of Tulloch" is a first rate album. I give it my highest recommendation. Get a copy today."