Criticism
The Power of Irish Myths and Legends to Speak to Us Today
Singer and songwriter John Spillane has just released his most ambitious album yet, a newly composed folk opera titled 'Fíoruisce' featuring Ríoghnach Connolly, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Niamh Farrell and Nell Ní Chróinín. Adrian Scahill reviews.
Contemplating the Earth’s Subliminal Forces
'Earth Sonnet', a new song cycle by Mel Mercier featuring Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Mikel Murfi and the MÓNCKK ensemble, was premiered on 13–14 September at the Dublin Fringe Festival. Adrian Smith reviews.
Change Everything and Continue
The new film about musician and producer Brian Eno, in which no two screenings are alike, showed at the Irish Film Institute on 7–10 September. Brendan Finan reviews.
The Irish Musical World of Rachel Baptist
The fifth album in the Irish Baroque Orchestra's Irish heritage series on Linn Records focuses on the eighteenth-century singer Rachel Baptist. Brendan Finan reviews.
It's Time to Listen
Composer Karen Power's new album, '...we return to ground...' is a sonic dialogue between Quiet Music Ensemble and the natural world, released on the San Francisco label Other Minds. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Kneecap's Rebellion
'Kneecap', the semi-fictional biopic of the Belfast Irish-language rap group, binds many threads, from competing visions of the Irish language’s future to exploring the North's shifting political landscape. Adrian Smith reviews.
A Poetic Four
Il Ritorno del Angelo – a new group featuring Barry Guy, Olesya Zdorovetska, Nick Roth and Izumi Kimura – have just released 'Spring & Asura', an album of four new improvised works. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Traditional Tunes as Points of Departure
Córas Trio – Kevin McCullagh, Paddy McKeown and Conor McAuley – have just released their debut album of experimental traditional music. Adrian Scahill reviews.
Dark Tales in a City at Play
Brendan Finan reviews the musical fare at the opening weekend of the 2024 Kilkenny Arts Festival, including the Carducci Quartet, Chamber Choir Ireland, Bassekou Kouyate, and Emma O'Halloran's operas 'Trade' and 'Mary Motorhead'.
An Expressive Portrait
Composer Greg Caffrey has just released 'Environments', an orchestral album featuring the Ulster Orchestra conducted by Sinead Hayes, guitarist Craig Ogden and pianist Daniel Browell. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.