But with Clannad the lyrics are less important than the music. Most of the songs are in Gaelic, which may be a blessing as introductions spoken in English give an idea of the vague new age subject matter such as the rhapsody of trees. The instruments employed range from modern synthesisers to basic traditional penny whistles – even a harp. It is gentle and touching opening to the evening.Ĭlannad open their set with selections from their new album ’ Nádúr’ and proceed moving through their entire career including traditional instrumentals and the theme music by which they first came to wider public attention. Although the songs of heartbreak and loss threaten to become sentimental Black’s dignified interpretation ensures that they are moving but not maudlin. The simple musical arrangements emphasise the pure quality of Black’s voice. Instead of the traditional fiddle to set the melody Richie Buckley’s saxophone brings a soulful aspect to the music. Nick Scott’s rumbling and fluid bass is so effective at setting a rhythm that it takes awhile to notice that there are no percussion instruments. Clannad have a much more dramatic style with moody lighting and lush musical arrangements.Ī striking feature of Black’s set is the instruments that are absent as much as those present. Mary Black takes a modest intimate approach entering without ceremony and performing country tinged songs against backing from a four piece largely acoustic band. The concert highlights the varying styles of the artists. The concert, therefore, offers the opportunity to hear just how flexible folk music can be – and to have a good time in the process. Black moved into songwriting and interpretation of songs by other artists while Clannad worked towards new age mysticism and soundtracks. Both started in the folk movement but developed in different ways. The theme had a new lease of life when U2 broadcast it at the end of every concert during their 1983 War Tour and through the first round of the Joshua Tree Tour in 1987.As the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations approach The Lowry offers an astonishing value for money double bill combining two Irish artists – Mary Black and Clannad. It was also deployed in a Volkswagen commercial, introducing Clannad to an American audience. It has since been used in several movies, most notably Patriot Games, in which an IRA member is seen watching the music video for the song on his television. It was also a huge success in Ireland where it peaked at No.2. It reached No.5 in the United Kingdom Singles Chart in November 1982 – the only UK hit single ever to be sung entirely in Irish Gaelic. The song won an Ivor Novello award, and launched Clannad internationally. The chorus, "Fol lol the doh fol the day, Fol the doh fol the day," is known as ancient Irish ‘mouth-music’ which is common in traditional music. Derived from an ancient text from Galway, the words explain how in war and in violence, no side will win – that all lose. The lyrics were written to depict the story of The Troubles among all sides in Northern Ireland. Enya had left the band before Harry’s Game was recorded. Its haunting theme song was by the Irish group Clannad, featuring the ethereal vocals of the Brennan family – three siblings of the superstar Enya, and two of their uncles. Set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, Harry's Game was broadcast on ITV in 1982. The theme which first introduced us to Enya's musical family.
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