Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
 Powerful Celtic Sound November 19, 1999
Elizabeth Hardy (Oberlin, OH)
31 out of 31 found this review helpful
The suite is a moving expression of a Pilgrim's journey, and a powerful evocation of a Celtic spirit. The orchestra, choirs, and pipe bands are all excellent, as are the soloists. This CD is a must for anyone who enjoys the Relief of Derry Symphony, also by Shaun Davey, anyone who enjoys the music of Riverdance, or anyone who enjoys rich classical music.
A Journey through the Old Days... June 21, 2001
Leslie Hull (USA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
When I first heard this album, I was struck by the feeling that I 'had heard this all before'. While Mr. Davey states that he wrote this some 10 to 15 years ago, I cannot but help feel that he has 'been home, indeed'. The 'shield' song, where they pipers and drummers as well as the members of the chorus stamp their feet as if banging shields...the memories are just too deep. Rita Connelly is wonderful, her voice reaching deep into the soul. She is particularly good in 'A'Grain', (appologies to Mr. Davey, if the spelling is wrong...but my ancient Scots Gaelic is not up to par!), where the orchestration and the voices call forth visions of the stormy isles of the Hebrides. Mr Davey calls upon the soul of the Gaelic world, in both words and music...it is a truly wonderful work. I am only sorry that there are ONLY 5 ***** to award this album, for I would put at least 15 there!!!
So beautiful you want to share it May 19, 2005
Ann Deupree (Fearrington Village, NC)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
An American friend and I were driving in Ireland when we bought this album. We listened in our small rental car as we travelled on narrow roads seeing for the first time the relics of ancient Ireland ~ and the music helped to capture our mood. When the piece from St. Patrick's Breastplate, "The Deers Cry", played, we looked at one another, stunned. It struck a chord from our Irish ancestry and we could only respond by playing the piece again and then again. That happened nearly 4 years ago and this music still never fails to call me to a deep reverence for the glory that is Ireland.
Going Home September 6, 2002
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
For anyone who has the slightest bit of Celtic blood, this music and narrative will awaken ancestral memories and cause your sunconscious to declare, "I'm home". And those who have visited enchanted Ireland will want to rush to the phone to order return tickets. The suite is decidedly a "spiritual" journey, but even agnostics can appreciate many of the pieces. The poetry and music are exceptional! Bravo, Shaun Davey!
An Extraordinary Musical experience August 10, 2007
John P. Hussey (Fairmont WV USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
In July 2005 my wife and I and several other tourists from West Virginia attended a Methodist service in Belfast's lovely Grosvenor Hall. As part of the service they played a piece that thrilled us all with its piercing beauty and reverence. When the service ended, I found out the song was "The Deer's Cry" from The Pilgrim CD. We snapped up a copy at the first music store we came to afterward. Since then, we have listened to it dozens of times, made our pals listen to it (all of whom thanked us), and sent the album as a gift to faraway pals as well. Its many beauties--the orchestral pieces, the pipers, Rita Connolly's solos, Mick Lally's narration--evoke a distant, heroic world in which bravery is revealed not through force of arms but force of faith. A joyous and heart-breaking accomplishment for which we feel the deepest gratitude to have discovered.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
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