Founded in 1987, Ireland's acclaimed 13-strong mixed-voice choral sensation Anuna, under the Musical Direction of Dublin composer Michael McGlynn and Directed by John McGlynn, recorded a series of excellent albums and a DVD after their leap into the spotlight touring and recording with Riverdance. The recordings from which "The Best of's" 22 tunes were selected are "Anuna," Invocation," "Omnis," "Deep Dead Blue," "Behind the Closed Eye," "Cynara," "Winter Songs," "Sanctus" and "Invocations of Ireland (DVD). Our (hard to pick) favorites are "August," from a poem by Francis Ledwidge, the chant "Christus Resurgens," a rare early Irish song written in 1150, the 16th century "Gaudette" from the Piae Cantiones, Michael McGlynn's adaption of a poem by St. Columcille, "The Wild Song," commissioned by Rajaton, the traditional "Dulaman," "Nobilis Humilis," an ode to 13th century St. Magnus of the Orkney Islands and to St. Patrick, the Irish romantic ballads "Ceann Dubh Dilis" and "The Lass of Glenshee" and "Wind on Sea," with lovely solos by John and Michael McGlynn. There is considerable accompaniment here, including guitar, low whistle, viola/violin, percussion, vibraphone, flute, Concert and Irish Harp, uileann pipes and tin whistle. Every song on this generous, well-chosen collection is powerful, haunting and beautiful. Don't miss "The Best of " Anuna! |
