Album: Paul Hillier, National Chamber Choir of Ireland, Tarik O'Regan: Acallam na Senórach – an Irish Colloquy

Thursday 13 October 2011 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Middle Irish narrative tale like the Canterbury Tales, the Acallam na Senórach tells of St. Patrick's education in Irish history through dialogues with warriors who fought alongside Finn MacCool.

The dialogues are set by the composer Tarik O'Regan for 16 voices, accompanied by the guitar and thrumming bodhran that open the "Prologue" before the choir enters like sunrise, an enlightening effect echoing the text's substance. Led by Paul Hillier, the National Chamber Choir of Ireland negotiates dissonance and harmony with drama and nobility, never endangering the piece through pomposity – a delicate balance aided by the sparseness of the guitar.

DOWNLOAD THIS Part One; Part Two

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in