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CHARLIE LENNON - Áille na hÁille / A Terrible Beauty

CHARLIE LENNON - Áille na hÁille / A Terrible Beauty
Gael Linn CEFCD209

The traditional composer Charlie Lennon is also well-known for writing larger works which combine traditional and orchestral musicians, so he was an obvious choice for Gael Linn to commission to write a musical commemoration of the centenary of the Easter Rising.

The resultant Suite In Honour Of The Heroes Of 1916 tells the story, in music, of the events leading up to the Rising and its aftermath. It is dedicated to all who died in the revolution, but makes specific reference to those who signed the Proclamation of the Republic and were executed afterwards.

The suite pays tribute to the individual leaders, including putting a Joseph Plunkett poem to music, before remembering all the fatalities. The story continues with the reading of the Proclamation outside the GPO, the response of the authorities, and the general mourning for loss of life, before the final Call To Freedom Sonata.

Charlie’s own playing of fiddle, piano and viola is alongside that of Finghin Collins, piano; Elizabeth Cooney, violin; Ronan Browne, uilleann pipes, flute, whistle; Éilís Lennon, violin; Caitlin Nic Gabhann, concertina; Jim Higgins, percussion; Seán Lennon, fiddle; Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, vocals; and the RTÉ Con Tempo String Quartet. The resultant mixture of background and styles gives a well-balanced feel to the whole production, which reaches out to a whole range of emotions. The principal style of the music switches effortlessly from traditional to classical-led, and the final sonata by Elizabeth and Finghin is truly delightful.

The accompanying bilingual booklet is exceptionally informative, both about the music and the narrative of the events it portrays. By any measure, this is a mighty work.

www.gael-linn.ie

Gordon Potter


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This album was reviewed in Issue 114 of The Living Tradition magazine.