Search - Robert Shaw :: Irish Folk Songs

Robert we're glad we knew ye

Ryan Pagenkopf | Irving, TX United States | 06/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As with any Robert Shaw conducted chorale, this CD far supercedes traditional expectations about the performance of a single genre of music. As with his Sea Shanties recording, in this set of songs Mr. Shaw focused into a particular area of choral literature, this time with old Irish Folk Songs. Although each song has had a makeover by Alice Parker, the arrangements are a welcome sight into their appeal to a current listener. No, unfortunately every song may not appeal melodically or emotionally to a particualr listener, but if nothing else listen to them for the tremendous aesthetic value of a superior chorale. As with any typical Shaw recording, the voices are richly blended within each piece to bring about the finest aspects of it. From the beginning the resonance of the men of the chorale is obvious but not too prominent and never becomes a distraction. The women blend well without coming close to screeching or scratching away valued musical methods. Through such pieces as Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye and The Girl I Left Behind Me Shaw showed great control of dynamics and intonation. This CD is yet another example that should be produced for today's and tomorrow's singers as a model of how to correctly perform choral literature. A worthy addition to any collection of Shaw/Parker collaboratins."

Classic Irish Tunes in the Air!

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robert Shaw was the master of choral singing in his day and the many albums of choral music, both a cappella and accompanied, both light classics and the big works, remain as a tribute to his gifts.



IRISH FOLK SONGS are sung by the chorale unaccompanied in a simple straightforward fashion without the at times flawed scooping tones heard in other choral renditions. The songs are all tunes we've heard - no surprises here - but the quality of choral tone and inflection is unmatched. Included are exquisite versions of 'Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye', 'The Parting Glass', 'My Gentle Harp', 'Avenging and Bright' along with the more popular tunes.



This is one of those nostalgia recordings, CDs you bring out for certain moods, and this is one that will stay active on the section of the much-played shelf! Grady Harp, April 06"

Excellent soft Irish songs

Micheline Anne Montreuil | Quebec city in Canada | 06/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like soft Irish songs sung very well, this CD is a good choice. The Robert Shaw Chorale gives an excellent performance, the orchestration is excellent and it is a very easy listening CD. It is a mix of nostalgic and love songs. A good CD to buy."