From the Liner Notes ::

"Celtic Sunrise is a wonderful music CD and story book combination. Claudine Gandolfi has crafted a splendid retelling of five Celtic legends that have come down through the mists of time. The stories, which are by turn Romantic; Magical; Mystical; and Adventurous, include "Oenghus and Caer"; "Diarmaid and Grainne"; "Pwyll and Rhiannon"; "Gawain and Dame Ragnell"; and "The Wooing of Etain".
– The Editors

Review / Comments ::

I came across this interesting little item in the gift shoppe of the Bass Hall for the Performing Arts... Home to the Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestra. I was intrigued by the idea of a CD of Celtic music meant to accompany the reading of (highly condensed) versions of several famous legends of the ancient Celts of the British Isles. A few older readers will no doubt have heard the name "Rhiannon"... made famous in a popular song, by Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, concerning this Welsh Witch.

The overall effect of the music... Which is a synthesis of traditional Celtic folk songs and instruments, with the addition of some modern instrumentation and a more contemporary performance with Chorus and Orchestra... and their relation to a particular story in the book, while nebulous, is very enjoyable. This would be an excellent method for introducing young children to both Folk Music and the rich Mythology that was often an inspiration for its creation.

While I have enjoyed this CD (and book), there are a few shortcomings which I would hope could be addressed should the performers and author collaborate in the future on a similar project.

Although certainly not a great impediment to the enjoyment of this work... Inclusion of any of the above four points would, in the perspective of this reviewer, have made the experience considerably more rewarding.

Album Copyright Information ::

© 1998 BMG Special Products

Review Date ::