Here is a delightful and enchanting celebration of Christmas. Soprano Noirin Ni Riain and her two sons, Eoin and Michael O'Suilleabhain sing 17 songs in the monastic chapel of Glencairn Abbey in County Waterford, Ireland. In the liner notes, she writes: "Although mostly from the Christian tradition, for us each song is an echo above and beyond the sounds of the universe. It is theosony, our word for 'The Sound of God.' "
Among our favorites are several ballads from the American Sacred Harp Tradition; "Criost Liom," a prayer about the encompassing presence of God; "Lead Kindly Light" with a text by John Henry Newman; "The Beatitudes," a Byzantine chant; and several English carols including "The Coventry Carol." This is a perfect gift choice for any lover of Celtic music, melodic songs, and exquisite singing.
