CD Details
All Artists: Scottish Traditional, David Grieve, Ronn McFarlane Title: Highland King - The Scottish Lute, Vol. II Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label: Dorian Recordings Original Release Date: 3/23/1999 Release Date: 3/23/1999 Genres: Folk, International Music, Classical Styles: Traditional Folk, British & Celtic Folk, Celtic, Europe, Britain & Ireland, Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830) Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 053479025722 |
Synopsis
Amazon.comWith 44 items on a disc running just under an hour, you know not to expect much depth in these many miniatures. But the unpretentious charm and occasional sophistication of these Scottish songs and dances are winning, especially since they have been carefully selected from several manuscript sources. McFarlane obviously loves this material, and he plays it with a great deal of imagination and flair. His emphasis for this collection is on rhythmic dances, but he has made sure to include enough softer, gentler melodies for contrast. And while some of the tunes could come from anywhere, quite a few have distinctive Scottish qualities. For those interested in the lute, this beautifully recorded disc is a treat, enhanced by uncommonly helpful and informative program notes by Kevin Bazzana. --Leslie Gerber
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CD Reviews
A Foreshadowing... Clay M. Capps | Baconton GA | 11/24/2004 (3 out of 5 stars) "As a long-time guitarist and fan of Scottish traditional music, I was amazed by this collection! If I didn't know better, I would have sworn I was hearing Tony McManus, Dick Gaughan, or even Mark Knophler in his more Caledonian moments. Truly, these selections from 17th and 18th century lute books cement the guitar's place in traditional Scottish music as solidly as that of the fiddle or even bagpipes (both of which didn't gain popularity until the 1600's anyway; and although most listeners are unaware, most of their repetiore of reels, jigs, and airs comes from the 1770's to 1850's, decades AFTER the music in this collection). Needless to say, their ARE tonal and technique differences between the lute and guitar, but the two instruments are very closely related in both respects and almost indistiguishable to many listeners. Thus, the mellow, haunting tunes here are a foreshadowing of the present day's great Celtic guitarists, but, much more than that, exquisite listening for their own sakes. To those who play guitar, I also recommend the available transcription book, although be aware it is in standard notation, not tab!"
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