Take a journey through the mists of time on this authentic Celtic masterpiece. Sugo Music Traveled to Ireland to find the best female Celtic harpists on the Emerald Isle. The recording that emerged from this expedition wil... more »l transport you back many centuries to the origins of this popular music form. Featuring the inspired artistry of Aine Ni Dhubhghaill, Anne-Marie O'Farrell, Emily Cullen and Cliona Ni Dhuill performing traditional Celtic melodies, Maidens of the Celtic Harp will serve as your bridge to Ireland's ancient past.« less
Take a journey through the mists of time on this authentic Celtic masterpiece. Sugo Music Traveled to Ireland to find the best female Celtic harpists on the Emerald Isle. The recording that emerged from this expedition will transport you back many centuries to the origins of this popular music form. Featuring the inspired artistry of Aine Ni Dhubhghaill, Anne-Marie O'Farrell, Emily Cullen and Cliona Ni Dhuill performing traditional Celtic melodies, Maidens of the Celtic Harp will serve as your bridge to Ireland's ancient past.
...takes one back to a land of faeries and fair ladies
06/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This beautiful CD, 'Maidens of the Celtic Harp' is incredible. Four Celtic harpists are featured (separately), with a soft orchestra in the background. There are no vocals. The music is like one would expect to find in a grand stage production in a bygone era of Scottish-Irish history. This CD really transports one back through time to a place that is far more tranquil than today's world. "Maidens of the Celtic Harp" is a truly beautiful masterpiece."
Lyrical, soothing to the soul
lostbronte | Southern California, USA | 06/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Any fan of Celtic music must buy this CD. The soothing yet sprightly harp artistry contained here is perfect for relaxation or inspiration--I listen to it while writing fiction, and find it perfect for stimulating my imagination and creativity. The musicianship is excellent; the tone of the harps sweet, and the melodies are alternately rollicking and thoughtful. If you like Celtic music, classical harp, or even classical guitar, this music is a must."
The most comprehensive collection of Turlough O'Carolan
Malena | Soquel, CA | 04/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this CD.
I came across it when I entered Turlough O'Carolan, the 16th century Irish harp composer, in Amazon trying to find a collection of music that had many of his best works. This particular album has probably the most traditional Irish harp pieces of any album I have come across which was important for me because I wanted genuine traditional celtic music, not contemporary songs played on the celtic harp. This CD met my expectations in that regard.
Particular favorites are: Blind Mary, Planxty Hewlitt, and Arrane Ghelbee.
My only two complaints are: the synthesizers in the background of the harp music (I like straight harping the best), and the fact that O'Carolan's most famous work, "Carolan's Concerto" is missing. For a fabulous version of that particular piece, check out The Chieftain's album, "A salute to Edward Bunting" that The Chieftains produced along with the Belfast Harp Orchestra. Also, Sugo Records has a nice recording of the piece by harpist Kim Robertson (with only harp, no other instrumentation.)
Regardless of those two minor criticisms, this is a beautiful, soothing album and a great introduction to O'Carolan's best works.
"
Beautifully Executed Celtic Instrumentals
rocketmorton | 02/19/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A lovely collection of Irish (with one exception, the gorgeous Manx "Arrane Ghalbee") tunes, finely executed on the harp with unobtrusive synth pads in support. A good mixture of slow airs and more sprightly tunes, though even the sprightly ones are relaxing as performed here, so this isn't a disk to listen to if you need to remain alert."