For the Aspiring Celtic Guitarist...
Clay M. Capps | Baconton GA | 08/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit,this review is of both the CD and the accompanying book of transcriptions. The selection is quite unique, ranging from the renaissance lute manuscripts of Scotland purely traditional (and much more recent-most of the jigs, reels, and airs of today's Celtic music might sound primal, but they date from the late 1700's-early 1800's)tunes such as 'The Butterfly'. Most of the work-about three quarters-is taken from the work of 17th century blind Irish harpist Turlough O'Carolan. O'Carolan's work has a distinctive sound for the most part, equal parts baroque and Irish folk, with a few songs leaning strongly one way or the other. So be warned, this is NOT the Celtic music you would hear from traditional groups such as the Cheiftains or Altan, nor is it classical or baroque in the style prefered by Bream or Williams. It is instead a blend of, to me, the best of both genres, combining the sophistication and delicacy of early classical music with the haunting soulfulness of Celtic music. It is also a glimpse at the earliest known examples of music from Scotland and Ireland, predating the dance numbers that are recorded more today.
As a guitarist, I thoroughly enjoyed working through the book. The selections are all beautiful and impressive to hear, yet many are very, very easy to perform. Most of my playing has been acoustic rock and folk with a flatpick, so I was very pleasantly suprised to find that some of my favorite pieces from the recording were not only within my grasp (after a reasonable amount of practice!) but even primer-like, the notes by the author making each song learned a lesson in technique. The transcriptions are also in tab, which is a big plus for me and I'm sure many others. It IS good to be able to read music, I suppose (I can decipher, myself, but not sight read), but standard notation was not designed for fretted instruments, and anyway, tab was always traditionally used lutes by composers such as J S Bach, anyway, so can even be considered more 'correct' for the guitar. Just be aware that the tunes here are more archaic than what is normally heard. Tony McManus wannabes will have to go elsewhere, I'm afraid."
Excellent.
04/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An incredible recording. The music is rhythmic and driving. The arrangements and original compositions are exciting. This is something for lovers of Celtic music who want some originality while still enjoying the classic celtic melodies."
Track Listings (31) - Disc #1
