The Celtic Circle

Performer: Various Artists
Distributor: BMG (distributor)

Notes: The term "Celtic" covers a broad sweep of music, from the traditional to new age, and this compilation seems intended to offer selections from all areas -- though with a slight emphasis on the new age end rather than music with a deep history. To that end, there are plenty of sweeping synthesizer chords, aching vocals, and rich, ethereal harmonies, and material from Clannad -- which, after all, helped pioneer that end of the genre. But, to be fair, there's also Alan Stivell, the Chieftains with Sin�ad O'Connor, and Anuna to hold up the other end, which they do very well. But nothing can really explain the inclusion of Vangelis or Sarah McLachlan, or "The Fellowship of the Ring Suite" and "Hedwig's Theme" -- at least "Braveheart Trilogy" makes sense under the circumstances. And one can only assume the producers couldn't license Enya's original of "May It Be," settling for a cover version instead. However, it's impossible to condemn this set since, just as you are about to despair, something more rooted to tradition arrives to redeem it. So it could be worse -- but it could be better, too. A mixed bag, trying to be all things Celtic to all people. Unfortunately, that can never work completely -- and here it definitely doesn't. ~ Chris Nickson CELTIC CIRCLE is a two-disc set of Celtic and Celtic-influenced music culled both from old favorites and from a handful of new, promising talents. Big names such as Enya, Loreena McKennitt, and Sinead O'Connor appear alongside artists with lower profiles but strong fan-bases like Maire Brennan and Karen Matheson. In addition to traditional Celtic music, the collection expands the genre to include tracks from the scores of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING ("The Fellowship" by Howard Shore) and THE MISTS OF AVALON ("The Mystic's Dream" by McKennitt). Each track seamlessly glides into the other, creating a listening experience that is rich in musical tradition. Compiled by the venerable Windham Hill label, each track was selected for its Celtic origin or spirit. Indicative of Celtic spirit, Bono's performance with Clannad on "In A Lifetime" is sure to cause chills, while The Chieftains' version of "Factory Girl" benefits from O'Connor's ethereal vocal. A select number of New Age artists are included, such as Vangelis, who contributes the soaring "12 O'Clock," and David Arkenstone, who performs his inspiring "The Dragon's Breath." The Irish choir Anuna beautifully delivers "She Moved Through the Fair," lending a sense of enchantment that complements the tone of the collection. CELTIC CIRCLE is a wonderful addition to any Celtic music library.

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