Celtic Brittany

1. Quand la Ville Dort (When the Town Is Sleeping) - Dan Ar Bras

2. Suite Vannetaise, Pt. I: Hanter-Dro et Dans Klam ('Turn Back and Dance' - Bagad du Moulin Vert

3. Frégate de Paimboeuf (Paimboeuf's Frigate)

4. Si J'Ai le Courage (If I Am Breave Enough)

5. Early in the Morning (Am Frühen Morgen) - Pierrick Lemou

6. Laridés - Bleizi Ruz

7. Dans Fanch (The Dance of François) - Amzer Zo

8. Suite Vannetaise, Pt. II: Kas Abarh (Throw Inwards) - Bagad du Moulin Vert

9. Glaz Noz (Colour of Blue Night) - Gwendal

10. Drouk Kinnig Meumenoiou (Awkward About Numbers) - Bernard Benoit, Christophe Caron

11. Suite de Tours - Hervieux & Glet

12. Bel Artilleur/Les Ridées (Handsome Artillery-Man/The Spring Ridées)

13. Jolie Jeunette (Pretty Lass)

14. Hommage au Père Jean (Tribute to Father John) - E. Grandjean, P. Lemou

15. Oiseau Rare (The One in a Million) - Bleizi Ruz

16. Rêve de Lande (Dream of the Moor)

Celtic Brittany,Various Artists,Arc Music,Brittany,Celtic,Celtic/Irish,European Folk,France,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: Great music, and this coming from someone not in to Celtic music Soundtrack for your dreams!

Renaissance of the Celtic Harp Alan Stivell Manufacturer: Rounder Select ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Master Serie Beyond Words (Au-Dela Des Mots) Harpes Du Nouvel Age Symphonie Celtique 1 Douar ASIN: B000000338 Release Date: 1994-05-02

Tracks:

1. Ys
2. Marv Pontkellec
3. Ap Huw And Penllyn
4. Eliz Iza
5. Gaeltacht

Customer Reviews:

Great music, and this coming from someone not in to Celtic music.......2005-11-30

Renaissance of the Celtic Harp was my first try at Alan Stivell, one of the big names of Celtic music from Brittany in France, the area where the language and culture is Breton, in which the language is Celtic, unlike French which is a Romance tongue. I am not familiar with Breton folk music, but from my understanding is this album contains Breton, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Manx styles. Since that time, I also acquired Chemins de Terre (1973) (actually the German LP version called Attention!), 'Roak Dilestra (Before Landing) (1977), Journée à la Maison (1978) and Celtic Symphonie (1980), and they all are quite varied, from the folk-rock of Chemins de Terres to the more proggy (but without forsaking his Celtic roots) Before Landing to the more mellow Journée à la Maison to the highly ambitious symphonic style of Celtic Symphony (no surprise the style given the album title).

What I understand of Alan Stivell is he helped launch the careers of Malicorne (Gabriel Yacoub played with Stivell up until 1973's Chemins de Terre) and Dan Ar Bras (who would eventually become a member of Fairport Convention, one of the biggest and most important British folk/rock groups).

Renaissance of the Celtic Harp aka Renaissance de la Harpe Celtique was released in 1971 as the followup to Reflets (1970) and unsurprisingly (as the title suggest) the Celtic harp is the most dominant instrument, although some tabla, bass guitar, drums, fiddle, and bagpipes are used, even a little orchestra and choir used on one cut. Unlike Reflets, or most of his other albums, this one is all-instrumental. The original cover was more psychedelic, with the harp clearly shown. That was the harp that Alan's father made and gave to him as a child. The Rounder reissue shows an older Alan Stivell with a different harp (not the one seen on the original pressing).

I am not a fan of Celtic music, I tend to prefer prog rock, and Alan Stivell is one of the few Celtic musicians that's of interest to prog rock fans. Strangely a lot of this album reminds me of the more acoustic moments of Anthony Phillips (like what you hear on The Geese & The Ghost) or Trespass-era Genesis (when he was still in that group) during that album's more pastoral moments, without the rock influence of that group, and (unsurprisingly) a stronger Celtic feel. His music is often of interest to progressive rock fans, because he often had a progressive attitude towards Celtic music, that's something Irish groups generally didn't do (with the possible exception of Horslips). Perhaps it's because France was more prog friendly than Ireland (France, after all, did give us groups like Ange, Pulsar, Magma, Gong, Atoll, etc.).

Renaissance of the Celtic Harp starts with "Ys" which is a collection of different Breton harp songs, with the sounds of the ocean seguing the songs. The album tells the story of the town of "Ys" in Armorica which was destroyed by the ocean due to the sins of the local townsfolk (it sounds a whole lot like a Celtic version of Atlantis). Much of the rest of the first half of the album also consists of more Breton material. The big exception being "Ap Huw/Penllyn", which are Welsh songs. The second half contains the side-length "Gaeltacht", which really is a collection of various songs, including some jigs and reels from the Gaelic speaking regions, that is Irish, Scots, and even Manx.

Renaissance of the Celtic Harp tends to have a more somber mood, and the use of electric guitar from Dan ar Bras is pretty limited here. On Alan's more rock-oriented albums like Chemins de Terre or Before Landing, Dan really gets to show what he's made of.

Alan Stivell really is a pan-Celtic musician, he realized that if he concentrated solely on Breton material, he probably would not have gone as far. Of course he's done other things than cover traditional Celtic material, like the Before Landing album, which was all self-penned, or the occasional cover of a non-Celtic folk song, like "The Trees They Do Grow High" (yes, the Pentangle did their version of off their album Sweet Child) which was an English folk song (but remember: English folk music often gets put in the Celtic category, probably due to musical similarities, and sharing a similar geographical location, but England and English culture is not Celtic). Or Celtic Symphony where it's really difficult where he gets all the ideas, since so much is going on on that album. Plus I haven't heard everything from him, and I'm certain he probably had a dry spell (releasing albums not worth listening to).

Truly a wonderful album to have if you enjoy Celtic music (and even someone like me who isn't in to Celtic music).

Soundtrack for your dreams!.......2003-10-06

On one of my trips to Japan I had the pleasure of listening to a harp being played by a beautiful young lady with no accompanying instruments (solo) from few feet away. It was Vivaldi's "Four Seasons", a composition very popular with the Japanese. Knowing what a harp sounds like in its pure form and in reality even though it was not the Celtic harp, I'd say that the natural ambience and delicate sound of the harp is captured on this album very beautifully. Recording a solo harp is one of the most daunting tasks for any recording engineer. On the other hand, getting the audio system to reproduce the sound of harp faithfully is equally frustrating. If you need to perform maintenance of your system, a harp is an instrument of choice for finding out which screws need to be tightened! You will be surprised how many of them are loose once the harp starts to resonate. On equipment capable of bringing out the last ounce of detail, a very slight hiss can be noticed, only on certain very quite passages where the harp is the only instrument playing, that too if heard very, very carefully. I personally did not find it disturbing in any way whatsoever and I am sure most would not even notice it. At times, if you are really engrossed, the sound of the harp will be like a breath of fresh air.

I have five Alan Stivell albums in my collection and if I were asked to recommend another album of Alan Stivell to complement "Renaissance of the Celtic Harp", it would be "Harp of the New Age", recorded and mastered in digital domain. This album is actually a sequel to "Renaissance....." and is a solo effort by Alan Stivell, which also features the newer electro-acoustic harps built by him. You can actually revitalise your soul by sprinkling some of the music from this album.

On several occasions I have come across websites featuring graphics where angels are depicted playing the harp in heavenly surroundings. Could it be that the angels, from amongst all the known instruments, prefer the harp? Well, we may never know. Nevertheless, harp is an instrument that at times, I believe, is featured in one's dreams. "Renaissance of the Celtic Harp" is perfectly suited to be the soundtrack of your dreams.

Average customer rating: Still a fan, but not my favorite Chieftains CD Great CD May be a little too studious and cultured for many listeners A Fresh Breeze from the Chieftains A Fresh Breeze from the Chieftains

Celtic Wedding: Music of Brittany The Chieftains Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music France | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Irish Wedding Songs Celtic Wedding Music The Celtic Harp: A Tribute to Edward Bunting with the Belfast Harp Orchestra IRISH WEDDING TRADITIONS: USING YOUR IRISH HERITAGE TO CREATE THE PERFECT WEDDING Irish Blessings ASIN: B0000064XI Release Date: 1998-02-24

Tracks:

1. Dans Mod Koh A Vaod (Old Fashioned Dance)
2. A Breton Carol
3. Dans-Tro Fisel (Dance From The Fisel Country)
4. Marches (From The Vannes Country)
5. Dans Bro-Leon (Dance & Song From The Leon Country)
6. Heuliadenn Toniou Breizh-Izel (A Medley In Which Each Member Of The Band Plays A Tune Of His Choice)
7. Ev Chistr 'Ta, Laou! (Cider-Drinking Song)
8. Jabadaw (Dance From Breton Cornwall)
9. Celtic Wedding (A Medley Of Song & Dance Describing The Famous Ancient Breton Ceremony)

Amazon.com essential recording

Brittany, in western France, is an ancient Celtic homeland whose language and music are closely related to those of Wales and Cornwall. And although Breton folklorist Polig Monjarret only jokingly suggested that the Chieftains do a Breton album, they did just that. Celtic Wedding remains one of their finest outings. Breton music is subtle when compared to Irish, Scottish, and Welsh music, with complex rhythms, rich harmonies, and spin-on-a-dime call-and-response refrains. The venerable Irish sextet seems refreshed and exhilarated by the cross-pollination. Local musicians sit in, playing the bombarde (a notoriously bad-tempered oboe) and biniou (Breton bagpipes), and singing in the Breton language, which is making a strong comeback after long years of repression. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Still a fan, but not my favorite Chieftains CD.......2006-07-10

I love the Chieftains, I think I own almost every one of their CD's. And even though this one is okay, I found myself skipping ahead to see if the next song was better or interesting. Again, I love the Chieftains, just not a fan of this CD.

Great CD.......2006-01-04

I love this CD. My only wish were that the final song -- which is actually a collection of several songs -- was divided up into the individual songs. Not that it really is a big deal, it would just make listening to it easier.

May be a little too studious and cultured for many listeners.......2001-12-05

I like the Chieftains a lot, love some of their music. I love Irish music, especially the moody traditional OR electronic/ethnic updates or variations on the Celtic sound and this album falls in the former category. I find it a little long in the tooth, actually, and have to get into an academic frame of mind to fully appreciate it. I've tried to listen to it several times, but find my mind soon wanders and, unlike so much of the Chieftains music, the tunes don't stay in my head. Definitely a mood piece and best appreciated, I suspect by serious Celtic or Chieftains fans.

A Fresh Breeze from the Chieftains.......2000-07-28

It is difficult not to like a performance by the Chieftains, and this collection is no exception. While the subject matter is a little removed from their usual Irish fare, the high quality which one has come to expect from them is certainly present.

A Fresh Breeze from the Chieftains.......2000-07-22

It is difficult not to like a performance by the Chieftains, and this collection is no exception. While the subject matter is a little removed from their usual Irish fare, the high quality which one has come to expect from them is certainly present. You can almost smell the hills and feel the gentle breezes.

Average customer rating: Alan Stivell Outstanding Compilation of Stivell's Early Material!

Master Serie Alan Stivell Manufacturer: Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music New Age | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beyond Words (Au-Dela Des Mots) Explore Back to Breizh Renaissance of the Celtic Harp 1 Douar ASIN: B0000084IW Release Date: 1998-02-04

Tracks:

1. Ian Morrisson Reel
2. Tri Martolod
3. Suzy Mac Guire
4. Reflets
5. Pop Plinn
6. She Moved Through The Fair
7. Can Y Melinydd
8. The Wind Of Keltia
9. Suite Sudarmoricaine
10. Suite Des Montagnes
11. Ys
12. Eliz Iza
13. Brocande
14. Marig Ar Pollanton
15. Brezhoneg' Raok
16. Suite Irlandaise

Customer Reviews:

Alan Stivell.......2006-02-26

Alan Stivell is a performer most notable for his celtic harp, who combines the old and the new with grace and precision. He has amassed a huge knowledge of past musical idioms and translates them into modern relevance with his passionate rhythems and lyrics that sometimes border on despairing, and which are always heartfelt. My only fault is that I can't find every one of his albums; some have gone out of print. Master Serie is a collection of remixes of works he produced in the 1970s. His reworkings of previous material are as interesting as the originals. I wish more people in Americal knew of his music.

Outstanding Compilation of Stivell's Early Material!.......2001-12-10

This compiliation disk emphasizes Stivell's early work (the first 4-5 albums or so from 1971-74), which is widely regarded as his best and most exciting period. The selection of songs is excellent, reflecting both his more more delicate folksy side (e.g. "Reflets", "Ys", "Suite des Montagnes") and his more rocking side ("Pop Plinn",
"Hep Brezhoneg", etc.). What makes this compilation especially notable is that it contains studio versions of "Tri Martolod", "Pop Plinn", and "The Wind of Keltia"-- which were released as singles and are unavailable on any of Stivell's 'regular' CDs. (Live versions of these tunes are available on _Live at the Olympia_, but those who want to hear the studio versions have no choice but to get this disk).

In sum, an outstanding compilation of Stivell's early 70s material. For those looking for a general overview of his whole life's career, the 2-CD compilation _Zoom_ is better... but if you're looking to check out Stivell's *best* material, the 'Master Serie' compilation is the place to start.

Average customer rating: Une grande oeuvre bretonne

Symphonie Celtique Alan Stivell Manufacturer: Dreyfus ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Harpes Du Nouvel Age Renaissance of the Celtic Harp Beyond Words (Au-Dela Des Mots) ASIN: B0000258MI Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

1. Beaj
2. Gwerz 1
3. Loc'h AR Goulen
4. Divodan
5. Emskiant
6. Kendaskren
7. Imram
8. Dilestran
9. AR C'hammon Kentan
10. AR Geoded Skedus
11. AR Bale
12. Gouel Hollvedel
13. Gouel Hollvedel [Continued]
14. Gouel Hollvedel [Continued]
15. Gouel Hollvedel [Continued]
16. Distro

Customer Reviews:

Une grande oeuvre bretonne.......2003-08-17

Stivell est des pères du renouveau de la musique celtique bretonne. Sa symphonie est une oeuvre complète qui puise aux sources de la culture bretonne tout en introduisant la modernité. A l'écouter on se retrouve dans la lande avec un léger embrun dans la tête !

Average customer rating:

Harpes Du Nouvel Age Alan Stivell Manufacturer: Rounder Select ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Symphonie Celtique Renaissance of the Celtic Harp Beyond Words (Au-Dela Des Mots) Back to Breizh ASIN: B0000253QV Release Date: 1994-01-13

Tracks:

1. Musique Sacree: All Things Pass (1)/Prayer For Brittany/All Things Pass (2)/The Spirit
2. Door 1: Experimental Music
3. Piberezh: Adaption Of Three 'Piobaireached' (Classical Bagpipe Music): Cumh Chlaibhers...
4. Door II: Improvisation
5. Rory Dall's Love Tune
6. Kervalan: Brief Excerpt From A Portion Of O'Caralan
7. Luskellerezh (Lullaby, Swing)
8. Dihun'ta (Awaken!) Traditional March Of My Region
9. En Dro Inis'Arzh (Around The Isle Of Arzh)
10. Dans Fanch Mitt
11. Suite Ecossaise
12. Dor III: Harp' Noun! (Help Me!)

Amazon.com

Stivell calls this 1986 Rounder collection "the sequel to Renaissance of the Celtic Harp"--the 1972 release that breathed new life into the harp's global popularity. Playing what he calls an "electro-acoustic" harp, outfitted with a pickup system not unlike that on an electric guitar, Stivell intersperses short experimental segments (some with backwards tape effects) around a series of adaptations of ancient themes from Stivell's native Brittany, as well as arrangements of Scottish bagpipe standards, with nods to historic harp figures like O'Carolan and Rory Dall. From the spirited "Spered Santel" to the lively "Dans Fanch Mitt" to the glittering "Dor II," Stivell's performances, and the sharp digital recordings, are dreamlike and soulfully soothing, with the irresistible flavor of ages past; the crisp, aquatic flavor of the harp's tone makes the word "heavenly" almost unavoidable. --James Rotondi

Average customer rating: Celtic fusion, voice like Bono, arrangements like Peter Gabriel Stivell back on triumphant form

1 Douar Alan Stivell Manufacturer: Dreyfus ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back to Breizh Beyond Words (Au-Dela Des Mots) Master Serie Renaissance of the Celtic Harp ASIN: B000007TPS Release Date: 1998-07-21

Tracks:

1. A United Earth I
2. La Memoire De L'Humain
3. Hope
4. Ensemble (Understand)
5. Crimes
6. A United Earth II
7. Scots Are Right
8. Ever
9. Kenavo Glenmor
10. Una's Love
11. Aet On (Into The Universe's Breath)
12. A United Earth III

Amazon.com

Breton based Celtic harpist Alan Stivell describes "eunn Douar (one Earth)" as revealing "a world of paradoxes, where similarities are as powerful as contrasts," and this profoundly spiritual work contains plenty of both. A 25-year veteran virtuoso of the harp, Stivell turns his focus to songs of "world consciousness," his reedy vocals abetted by a diverse cross section of artists including Youssou N'Dour, Khaled, John Cale, and the Chieftains' Paddy Moloney. The songs--sung in Gaelic, French, and English--of nationalism, unity with diversity, and individual freedom are stage set with kora, whistles, bombards, accordian, and the usual periphery of rock instruments, expertly and fittingly produced in places by Afro Celt Sound System's Simon Emmerson and Martin Russell and also Pascale Le Berre--Pascal. One Earth is an intense and individualistic statement of great integrity. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews:

Celtic fusion, voice like Bono, arrangements like Peter Gabriel.......2005-07-30

Alan Stivell is a Breton (the Celts on the French side of the Channel) musician. The music sounds a bit like Irish Folk/World fusion.

One great strength of this album is that the 11 tracks each have a distinct sound, thanks to collaboration with some great singer/instrumentalists of World music and widely versatile arrangements.

If you like Peter Gabriel's arrangements and Bono's singing voice, you will probably like this album.

Stivell back on triumphant form.......2000-01-20

At long last a *great* album from Stivell, after a series of variously interesting and adventurous but flawed projects. 1 Douar is on a par with Stivell's best from the 1970s, but in the spirit of 90s world music fusion (the only flirting with rock coming in an astonishing collaboration with Velvet Underground's John Cale - how on earth did these two musicians' paths cross! ).

From its scintillating opening track "United World 1" guesting Youssou 'N Dour, to the lush lyrical tones of its last numbers, the album showcases Stivell's inventiveness both in rhythm and melody, and his sureness of touch in dramatic arrangement. Happily, the harp resounds throughout the album, sometimes in melodic lead, often in rhythmic counterpoint. Beautifully produced (in part by Afro-Celt wizard Simon Emmerson), the new technologies enhance rather than drown the whole. Sampling is intelligent and compelling (particularly the late Goadec sisters in "La Memoire de L'Humain"), and even the wacky "Scots Are Right", which could have showcased Stivell at his cringing ranting worst, has a playfulness and an experimental deftness that wins me over (helped by some good smoky vocals by Jim Kerr, ex-Simple Minds). The two elegies (one to recently deceased Breton bard Glenmor, with a superb contribution from Chieftains' piper Paddy Moloney) are built on achingly beautiful, wistful melodies. Irish classic "Una Bhan", chanted in sean-nos style by Breda Mayock, emerges from Stivell's own English variant, set against a hypnotic harp loop, and flows into a majestic crescendo of pipeband drones (which then simply subside - a superb touch of restraint). Other winners are the wonderful Breton/Algerian kan-ha-diskan/Rai fusion "Understand" sung with Khaled, and the lovely hypnotic "United World 2".

The political optimism at the heart of the album celebrating identity and diversity in the global village ("douar" means world in Breton and village in Arabic) is matched by the musical exuberance of Stivell and his guests. Twenty-five years after promoting the musical adventurism that would become "world music", Stivell proves here that he can still reinvent himself, still surprise and still captivate. This is his best album since "Dublin".

Average customer rating:

Stonetown The House Band Manufacturer: Green Linnet ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Word of Mouth Another Setting Groundwork Rockall October Song ASIN: B000005CST Release Date: 1993-01-05

Tracks:

1. Skepper Schotish/Schotish Fra Lyo
2. The Lonesome Drunkards Walk/Stonetown
3. Eliz Iza/Air
4. Sunday's Best
5. New Tobacco/The Rolling Waves/Ryans
6. The Final Trawl
7. The Killybegs Highland/Charlie O'Neills/Rond De Loudeac
8. Here Come The Weak/On The Turn
9. Hernon's/The Phoenix
10. Geordie
11. Wals Voor Pollee
12. Baldazda/Horo

Average customer rating: Une grande oeuvre bretonne

Symphonie Celtique Alan Stivell Manufacturer: Dreyfus ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Harpes Du Nouvel Age Renaissance of the Celtic Harp Beyond Words (Au-Dela Des Mots) ASIN: B000001ZSJ Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

1. Beaj
2. Gwerz l
3. Loc'h Ar Goulen
4. Divodan
5. Emskiant
6. Kendaskren
7. Imram
8. Dilestran
9. Ar C'hammou Kentan
10. Ar Geoded Skedus
11. Ar Bale
12. Gouel Hollvedel
13. Gouel Hollvedel
14. Gouel Hollvedel
15. Gouel Hollvedel
16. An Distro

Customer Reviews:

Une grande oeuvre bretonne.......2003-08-17

Stivell est des pères du renouveau de la musique celtique bretonne. Sa symphonie est une oeuvre complète qui puise aux sources de la culture bretonne tout en introduisant la modernité. A l'écouter on se retrouve dans la lande avec un léger embrun dans la tête !

Average customer rating: Lovely Christmas music from an unusual location! An interesting change for Christmas music Wonderful Disappointed Disappointed

Noels Celtiques: Celtic Christmas Music From Brittany L'Ensemble Choral du Bout du Monde Manufacturer: Green Linnet ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD France | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Ancient Noels A Scottish Christmas A Christmas Celtic Sojourn A Winter's Night; Christmas in the Great Hall A Feast of Songs: Holiday Music from the Middle Ages ASIN: B000009QA1 Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

1. Joyful Memories
2. When He Was Born
3. Christmas
4. Sheperds On The Hill
5. Christmas
6. What Noise On Earth? (Instrumental)
7. The Angels Sang
8. Descend From The Heavens
9. What's New?
10. Oh, What A Wonderful Miracle!
11. In The Middle Of The Night
12. Christmas At Sea (Instrumental)

Amazon.com

The spirited L'Ensemble Choral du Bout (the Chorale Ensemble of the World's End) formed in 1977 to preserve the Celtic musical heritage of Brittany, a Celtic region in northwest France. Comprised of two smaller regional choirs as well as singers from over 40 villages, the ensemble offers a lighter alternative to the slower, more solemn albums of Christmas church music. Recorded at Landévennec Abbey, this CD has an ancient, Celtic feel with instrumentation from flutes, claviers, bagpipes, guitar, and organ while often feeling contemporary during the livelier, melodious songs. There are original compositions here from choir director Christian Desbordes that weave in nicely with the traditional, Christian works. A good choice for the beginning listener of sacred Christmas music. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Lovely Christmas music from an unusual location!.......2006-01-18

Most of the other reviewers have pretty well summed up this recording. I just want to add a few comments which may be helpful to those considering purchase of this CD.

The level of performance is outstanding! There is no sloppiness, no folksy rough edge, to this music. Everything is presented beautifully and artistically. The arrangements are interesting, varied, and highly artistic; they bring out the best in this hauntingly lovely music from Brittany.

The 12 pieces include 10 with voices and 2 instrumentals. Most are traditional Breton songs, but two are Welsh and one is Cornish. (Welsh and Cornish are the other two Celtic languages of the Brythonic branch, and thus most closely related to Breton; the other (Goidelic) branch, including Irish, Scots Gaelic, and Manx, is somewhat more remote.) All songs are sung in Breton, the Welsh and Cornish songs being translated. Four songs are composed, rather than traditional. All the arrangements, I believe, were done by members of the groups represented here.

The general mood of the music is appropriately religious, "churchy," and Christmas-like, but with a special piquancy provided by the addition of celtic instruments and styles. That combination offers all the satisfactions of regular Christmas music along with the freshness and variety of ethnic music.

Production values of this CD are exceptional. The recorded sound is gorgeous and the spatial image is great. The booklet is beautiful, and the notes, in English, are quite generous. Song texts are given in Breton, French, and English, so you can grasp the meanings without any special linguistic background.

If you are looking for Christmas music which is off the beaten track but which is absolutely lovely and musically satisfying, then you could hardly do better than this CD. I recommend it heartily and count it among my very finest recordings.

An interesting change for Christmas music.......2005-12-01

While we tend to think of the Celts as being only residents of the British Isles, in fact, the Celts were also dominant at one time in much of western Europe. One of the remaining bastions of Celtic influence remains in Brittany. Most of these songs are song in Breton. While it is not possible for most of us to understand the lyrics, it makes no difference. The music is frequently ethereal, sometimes medieval, and usually lovely. The Choral is musically adept and if you want a change of pace from the same old tired and overplayed Christmas tunes, this provides an esoteric relief. Assuredly, this is not everyone's "cup of tea," but if you like ancient music, excellent choral groups, a capella music, pipe organs and something out of the ordinary, then this is a "must have" album. I am certainly glad that I added it to my collection.

Wonderful.......2004-12-12

This is not your typical Christmas album, but I can assure you. This is a good thing.

This is Celtic Christmas music from Brittany (and, contrary to what others have said here it is not sung in French but in Breton which is the ancient Celtic language of Brittany, a region in northeast France). It is sung by a choir and although you may not fully understand what is being sung there is no doubt as to the thought, feeling, and emotion behind it. This far outdoes the typical Christmas fare you have come to expect these days. If you know that you can't bear to hear Celine Dion or Clay Akien again, give this a chance. The solitary bagpipe on "What Noise on Earth" would fit perfectly in parts of a midnight Mass and the final 1:20 (or so) of the final track "Christmas at Sea" is some of the most glorious and stirring Celtic music ever recorded.

Disappointed.......2003-10-14

I bought this CD based on the reviews of others who have it. Perhaps my hopes were a little high after reading the rave reviews this collection got, but I have to admit I am disappointed in it. It definitely has a Celtic flair and some of the songs are good, but the French vocals are a distraction for me. I knew it would be in French before I purchased it, but I guess I didn't gauge how it would actually affect me. Perhaps it will grow on me ... if not, it will be one of the lesser-listened to CDs in my Christmas collection.

Disappointed.......2003-10-14

I bought this CD based on the reviews of others who have it. Perhaps my hopes were a little high after reading the rave reviews this collection got, but I have to admit I am disappointed in it. It definitely has a Celtic flair, and some of the songs are good, but the French vocals are a definite distraction for me. I knew it would be in French before I purchased it, but I guess I didn't gauge how it would actually affect me. Perhaps it will grow on me ... if not, it will be one of the lesser-listened to CDs in my Christmas collection.

Average customer rating: Awesome Tracks

Celtic Music from Ireland, Scotland & Brittany Golden Bough Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Folk | Imports | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000009CN2 Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

1. The Collaraine Jig / Sharks' Favorite / Far from Home / Maids of Mt. Cisco
2. The Brewer Lad
3. Farewell to Whiskey
4. Country Life
5. The Stolen Child
6. One Morning in Spring / Hunting the Hare
7. John Barleycorn
8. She Moved Through the Fair
9. Breton Tunes
10. Song of the Swan Maiden
11. The Merchant's Son / Who Made Your Breeches?
12. Lullaby / Mo Choara Bhan (My Little Lamb)
13. The Cold North Wind
14. The Carrion Crow
15. Follow Me Down
16. The Rattlin' Bog
17. Fond Farewells

Tracks:

1. Song of the Fisher Lassies / Blast of Wind
2. Power of the Harp
3. Lady Owen's Delight / Eleanor Plunkett / My Bonnie Boy
4. The Calling of the Road
5. The Witch of West-Mer-Lands
6. The Blind Harper of Lochmaben
7. The Lark in the Clear Air
8. The Blarney Pilgrim / The Merry Blacksmith
9. The Last Leviathon
10. Doue Lan A Vadeleh / Ar Serjant Major / Jan En Piet
11. Logs To Burn
12. Lovely Molly
13. One Bottle More / Humors of Winter / Apples in Winter
14. Mairi's Wedding
15. My Little Boat
16. Black Jack Davy / The Drunken Piper
17. The Parting Song

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Tracks.......2001-10-22

I adore this CD set. I bought it thinking it would only be traditional ballads but was surprised when it had more. Golden Boughs voices are exquisite to listen to on a daily basis. I often listen while in an option class at school to get away from all the noise. Being a vocalist myself, I wish there were more vocals but there are plenty.

World Music:

1. Ching Dong: Return of [Import]
2. Complete Edition [Import]
3. Crescendo [Import]
4. Darshan
5. Deko Boko [Import]
6. Drum Jam
7. Dubbin' Away
8. Earth Healing [Box set]
9. Faut Qu'ca Arrete [Import]
10. Folk Songs from Scotland

World Music

world music

World Music

Best of Penetration [Import]

Dvorák: String Quartets, Opp. 96 ("American") & 105

Jõulud (Estonian Christmas)

Solo (Sozinho)

Halcyon [CD-single]

Instigator

Flute Stories

Invisible Ones [Enhanced]

Hinten [Import]

Germany: Silent Night Famous German Carols

Have It All [CD-single]

Grande Encontro Do Samba [Import]

Exitos, Vol. 1

Ernst Krenek: Jonny spielt auf

Moonlight and Skies