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Track Listings
| 1. The Blue Bird |
| 2. Cormacus Scripsit |
| 3. The Wild Song |
| 4. Siuil, A Ruin |
| 5. Wind On Sea |
| 6. The Rising Of The Sun |
| 7. The Flower Of Maherally |
| 8. Dulaman |
| 9. Kyrie |
| 10. Deep Dead Blue |
| 11. Blackthorn |
| 12. Behind The Closed Eye |
| 13. August |
| 14. Christus Resurgens |
| 15. Victimae |
| 16. Pie Jesu |
| 17. Hymn To The Virgin |
| 18. Cynara |
| 19. War Is Over |
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Customer Reviews
Tied in to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the formation of ANUNA, this album presents highlights from Michael McGlynn's stunning canon of contemporary vocal and instrumental pieces. Illustrating the evocative styles of chant through to the beauty of poetry, McGlynn's prowess in this field is extraordinary.
ANUNA, having established themselves with the 'Riverdance' phenomenon, soon went their own seperate ways - thankfully! - and really got things moving, not just in their native Ireland, but worldwide, collaborating with artists such as Elvis Costello, Secret Garden and the late Jeff Buckley.
Here then, is the fruit of their labour, and an illustration of the tireless effort by Michael to push the boundaries of medieval and associated art musics even wider.
Devotional settings, such as the 'Pie Jesu' and 'Pater Noster' sit side beside such sublime vocalises as 'Behind The Closed Eye' and 'Wind On Sea'. The poetry of Frances Ledwidge is visible in the haunting 'August' coupled with WB Yeats' 'Innisfree' (my personal favourite), with more traditional love songs such as 'The Flower of Maherally' and Charles Villiers Stanford's 'The Blue Bird'.
Unfortunately, there is never room to include all of your favourites, one particular is the beautiful 'Cynara', which I felt could have replaced one of the chosen tracks - although choosing which one to discard is quite a problem, and must have been equally deliberated at the point of the album's conception!
'Essential ANUNA' tries to capture the spirit of attending one of their performances, but nothing can ever beat that experience - it comes pretty close, though.
I have been following this group since I was 11 years old (I am now 21 years old.) I cant fathom any other group keeping my attention for so long.
And why?
Because Michael's arrangements surpass time.He doesnt follow any strict rules of how choirs should sound and shouldnt sound...he pushes the line and arranges in such a way,that most logical directors would get flustered over.It makes sense and it sounds good yet strays from the path and norm of conventional choirs.Somehow Michael has mastered making his singers sound seamless...the men and women harmonize and sound as one.Something I have never heard a choir do,and know how hard it is to achieve something as that...being involved in classical choirs for 5 years+.
Ireland has a wealth of writers,poets,dancers, and musicians.I dont know how this country churns them out,but nonetheless Anuna is proof that theres something in the water.
Another point to be made...is where the material is found.Michael combs through libraries,anicent texts,church music,etc.Reading his linear notes for songs...you feel like you're getting the untold history lesson of cultures long forgotten and an Ireland you wont see on St.Patrick's Day.
I had the chance this past March to attend Anuna's second tour of the U.S. in NY at a pub (the most unlikely place to see a choir,but I wouldnt have changed it.) I had waited for 10 years to see this,and it was worth the wait and more.The first two songs,I didnt breathe...I sat there,watching the singers proceed throughout the pub and I sat there with my eyes shut at times not exhaling until they took stage.The stage presence of the group was extraordinary.Being so use to performing in a choir where we had sheet music in our hands and the director standing in front of us...to actually see peoples' faces light up and see how much they thoroughly enjoyed singing (and at times singing in their own native tongue as Anuna showcases alongside Latin and English.)was such a blessing! John McGlynn led the choir,and taking some very funny introductions to songs and making the audience feel like it was more at a concert in their living room amongst family than at a pub.
This is an amazing cd if you havent checked out Anuna before..you get a sample of everything.Try out the tracks...August,Deep Dead Blue,Kyrie,and Blackthorn.A few of my faves!
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