Rich harmonies. Lush orchestrations (although they intrude on the vocals at times). Variety. Three beautiful Celtic voices.
The Celtic Tenors are a worthy addition to the triumvirate approach initiated by Carreras, Domingo, and Pavarotti.
Best tracks? The Irish tunes, and any time they sing a capella.
May 7, 2008Celtic Tenors are marvelous. The only "tenor group" offering harmony. The material is beautiful and beautifully performed.
September 15, 2005 |  | Celtic Music Meets the Boy Bands |  |
If one looks at the jacket of the disk THE CELTIIC TENORS, the first impression is that the disk could also be called "The Three Irish Tenors goes boy band." The three Celtic tenors: Matthew Gilsenan, Niall Morris, and James Nelson, look rather young and hip, almost in a stereotypical way, and it is clear that the disk's first priority is to be a money maker. The obvious attempt at making a dollar (or in Ireland a punt or Euro) does not make the disk a waste. There are some very enjoyable musical moments on the disk, though nothing all that original or deep. The music ranges from popular tunes, traditional Irish music, and some light classical and operetta pieces. The musical highlight of the disk is an A Capella version of Barber's Adagio. This arrangement retains the piece's beauty as well as its haunting qualities. Though the song "Mull of Kintyre" is somewhat cheesy, it works on this disk and is one of the better tracks. The disk begins with a song titled "Nella Fantasia" a tune written by Emilio Morricone, and it's from a theme from his score of THE MISSION. According to the liner notes, the composer reluctantly allowed words for the piece. He should have held out a bit longer. The tune was first performed by Charlotte Church. It does not work for her, and it does not work for the Celtic Tenors either. Since the tune is so beautiful in the film, it's too bad it was not simply left alone.
November 8, 2003 | | This Is Not Your Ordinary Everyday Irish Tenor Album | |
Currently So Strong is my most favorite album. Unlike other Irish tenor albums I own, So Strong resonates unique total excellence achieved rarely by the blending of voices. It is a successful marriage of traditional and contemporary Irish vocal styling. Every cut is a true treasure. Listening to "Mull of Kintyre" I defy anyone not to hum this Paul McCartney melody. "The Green Fields of France" is a beautiful anti war anthem while "Ag Criost An Siol" is as spiritual as any gospel. Tears swell with "The Town I Loved So Well". "Something Inside" has an addictive beat and "The Contender" and "A Love so Beautiful" are haunting without being melancholy. I garantee that you'll have the CD player on high volume and repeat for the folk dance tune "The Star of the County Down" and inspiring "Anthem". I do.
October 2, 2003I was watching public television and saw "The Celtic Tenors". The next day I found their CD, "So Stong". Finding voices of such obvious quality producing harmony so perfectly is rare. The first song brought me to tears and I wanted to stand and cheer. In fact, I did. In my opinion, "The Celtic Tenors" have absolutely clear voices and sing with "Heart" whether it's concerning the town they love or the love they let slip away. I have already suggested the CD to many friends who have immediately purchased one for themselves. What a treat, what a treat.
April 6, 2003More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(14 reviews)