Celtic Woman

This is a lovely, classic mix of interesting and complex choral arrangements of Christmas and holiday classics.

They are magnificent. However, the popular traditional Christmas songs, I thought, detracted from the wonderful tone they set with the Celtic-type music.

I Love this Album. I was not sure at first I would like it .
It surprised me ! Every Song is Amazing . Upbeat for the Holidays and Beyond The Wintry Months. Does Not Disappoint.
I would Highly Recommend This Album To All.

I saw the "Celtic Woman" group perform these Christmas songs on PBS, at a concert in Ireland. My husband and I fell in love with the soothing celtic music and beautiful voices of the singers. So I got the c.d. and it has become my new favorite! My kids even enjoy listening to it! It has a wonderful selection of songs, and really gets you into the Christmas spirit!

Simply put: the purity of these voices can indeed bring tears to one's eyes. Lisa is superb in "The Christmas Song" and others. A knockout. However, the entire performance is so perfectly done that it is very difficult to elevate one over the rest. They present that to be their goal, and have succeeded.

Although this CD is basically a combination of songs from the two previous albums it still is a nice addition. As with the two previous CDs this is a tapestry of five beautiful voices, Mairead's powerful performance, along with a fantastic chorus and orchestra performing a colorful blend of Celtic, adult contemporary and classical music woven together by the genus of David Downes. Songs such as The Voice, and Orinoco Flow, and of course Mairead's Shenandoah-The Contradiction are always enjoyable to hear. There are also some new songs which are not heard on the other CDs such as Green the Whole Year Round which although a Christmas song still sounds appropriate for any season, The Call, Pie Jesu, and recording of live performance of The Spanish Lady, and Mo Ghile Mear. This is the CD you can keep in your vehicle and listen to while performing daily errands or take to work and help ease the stress we all fell. The other Celtic Woman CDs can remain safely at home to be enjoyed in quiet solitude.

The content of the CD was as desired. The condition of the product was less than desirable. I need to read the sellers description much closer next time.

I first heard of CW thru my local PBS station and thought their music was pretty and their voices were just lovely. And then I heard them again - and again. I found myself searching for the next time that PBS would again broadcast any of the CW shows. They absolutely have me hooked! I bought the Greatest Journey CD and listen to it constantly in my car. I can't wait until they come here to Memphis on their tour. Of course, I've already arranged for my tickets! I love this CD and their music. I think they have the purest voices that I've heard.

If you own other Celtic Woman CD's, and want a "Best Of" this is for you. If you are looking for new songs, try something else. This is about 90% previously recorded songs.

I love Celtic Woman, that means I already have all their dvd's and cd's. I was so disappointed that this dvd was made up of clips from each of their previous dvd's (Celtic Woman, New Journey, Christmas). If you don't own any of their other dvd's or cd's then I would recommend this for you as a "best of" album but, if like me, you already have all the others you might be as disappointed at the lack of new material as I was.

If you've never seen these women in person you have missed a great opportunity to be entertained. Great voices and great songs.

This is about the 7th one of these I have bought through Amazon.com. Have given them to all my siblings and a few friends. Love the Celtic Women!!

Steve Wrenn

Ordered this CD on a preview of the "Spanish Woman" track. Oops..

Spanish woman was my favourite from the DVD. Why would they not put it on this CD, and why don't they mention that it does not include all tracks?

These DVDs are available in our local library for a three day check out. I thought, well, I will check them out and watch them sing. I never knew that I would be totally overcome with these singers, composer, Mr. David Downes and the incredible Mairead, the Irish whirlwind that you "can't get enough of" to quote David Downes. I immediately had to order my own copies and developed a following of each one of them because they are so uniquely different and equally mesmerizing. The songs literally soar into your consciousness and I agree with some of the reviewers that some of the songs may not be top choices as far as material goes-who cares, though.
The incomprable Maeve may be singing, or that Crystal voice from heaven, Chloe may be issueing her notes with those eyes of expression that tell you the words and sentiments are real...Or the fantastic with-out peer, Lisa Kelly transporting you to places in Ireland or Scotland( I have her Audio CD-it is sensational)or the exquisite Orla Fallon playing her harp and singing of Ireland, or Away in a manger, or Shuil A Run-she's magnificent and can show Joy on her face that has no parallel. So with the gifts that these women have, the shaping and molding and fashioning of David Downs, the tapestry weaving of Mairead you have a musical experience like nothing you have ever experienced before, so I can understand how audiences the world over have taken to them. I recommend you buy and watch the DVDs first, and then order all the Audio CD's that each of them have made. Don't forget to purchase Hayley Westernra's DVD also because there is another phenomenal voice from New Zealand and arrangements well done, but you don't crave to watch hers over and over
like you do the Celtic Woman. It was wonderful she joined them at Slane Castle. I would say why wait, purchase the dvds and then the Audio CD's of any of the CW, you will not be disappointed.Maybe you can keep from getting the So called C W O D( Celtic Woman Obsessive Disorder) but I seriously doubt it if you have any music instrumental or vocal in your back ground!
Carla

I absolutely love this CD and play it constantly!!!! I am going to buy their entire collection!!! I loved it so much I even bought the DVD and have been watching that!

This is a great c.d. for any fan of the Celtic Woman group. The collection of songs range from soothing and peaceful to lively and energetic. Great all around!

This album, in short, is a great conglomeration of different Irish music and instruments native to the land. The voices of these ladies can only be compared to angels and the sweet, soft vibrato of their harmonic sounds blend so well together!

This CD costantly holds your attention it has a mix of rhythms and is lifted by heaenly voices. Those tunes which are not already familiar, soon become so. When you can loose your inhibitions this Cd is great to sing-along and dance to. Joyfull enough to cheer up the saddest day and a classic.

Don't know how I happened to stumble across this find but I'm very glad I did. I love celtic music and this is a great CD to ad to your collection I think. Different takes on the folk songs are very interesting. Some I personally feel ruin the songs, others its just nice to hear. If you want to listen to beautiful voices and songs this CD is for you!

My wife and 4-year old daughter love this music, too. We've been to see the group in concert - well worth the money.

This CD is a mosaic which combines the genus of David Downes, the talent of six fantastic artists, the richness of Celtic and contemporary music, along with a marvelous orchestra and chorus. Each artist can be heard performing individually as well as together in adaptations of tradition folk music such as "Dulaman", "Scarborough Fair", and" Spanish Lady", adult contemporary which include "Beyond the Sea", the classical pieces of "Lascua Ch'io Pianga, and newer composition in the Celtic style which include "The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun", "At the Ceili, and "Caledonia. Maireasd's solo performances in"Grasssnuaile's Dance", and "Shenandoah-The Pacific Shore" are just as enjoyable as seeing her perform. Listing to her on the CD provides an appreciation of her great talent as a violinist. The music touches the spirit and takes the individual on a journey beyond the senses.

This is a wonderful CD containing a variety of traditional Irish, classical and contemporary music. The majority contains vocals by some of the most talented soloists Ireland has to offer, but some of the tracks are fantastic instrumental numbers by the groups violinist, Mairead Nesbitt. She will delight you with her traditional sound and her mastery of the instrument.

This CD was one of the first from this group that i have bought and it will continue purchasing their CDs. Each and everyone's voices, singularly and as a whole create a haunting sound that never fails to bring a faraway smile to my face.

with the addition of Hayley Westernea and her angelic voice the beauty of each song that she sings with the group and by herself just makes the soungs sound so much better!

I would definetly reccomend this CD and all of their albums to anyone who is a fan of celtic music.

What is there to say, they are wonderful and the music just touches the heart.

This is a must have CD for any fans of the CELTIC Woman. It is a complete concert on CD and the sound quality is great.

Chloe Agnew is a marvelous singer, and this album exemplifies her talent. Angelic shall always be the best adjective to describe this exceptionally talented young woman with a wondrous future. In fact, she has me so entranced I have to admit I'm in love with her!!

I bought this CD along with her cd Chloe, and both of them are just fantastic. I love her music, and I would highly recommend her cd's to anyone!! Also, make sure you listen to Celtic Woman cds!!! This group and singer are amazing!!

This is one of the most beautiful CDs I've ever heard. What a voice, what an artist!!!! Hope she does something new soon!

I suggest watching Chloe perform in the CELTIC WOMAN concerts first...then play the CD and imagine her singing these songs in front of a live audience. She delivers a sparkling performance and is such a grand addition to CELTIC WOMAN...you'll find yourself humming her songs in your mind over and over and eagerly awaiting the next concert.

I really liked this CD. Chloe has a really great voice, and I love Celtic Women, so I really enjoyed this. My only complaint is that she did some of the songs that are also on the Celtic Women's Cd's. Already owning both A New Journey and their first installment, I was looking for some new songs to fall in love with. However, many of the songs had never graced any C.W. albums, and they where lovely!!!

When you are beginning this season to think of gifts, think "Lisa"...why do you ask? because when you have good news such as you suddenly find yourself about to become a mom or dad , receive a huge Christmas bonus, have your child make straight a's, or win a lottery-you want to share this good news with others. Sharing the Lisa CD which she made a few years back will give the recipent some music they can enjoy over and over again. It is the "good news" of vocal presentations with glorious accompaniment by inspiring instrumentals. Lisa, with her stage presence backgroud and being able to show emotion when we watch her that is so entrancing and compelling, she does equally as well on this audio presentation. David Downes is a fantastic composer and Lisa spares no effort in interpretation of his beautiful lyrics and melodies. This is the gift, or make it a gift bundle with any of the other CW CD's or DVD's
because you want to share the good music from Ireland that has literally wound its way into our hearts. And as I read what others have to say, I realize you will get hours and hours of enjoyment from this Audio CD by the enchanting Lisa Kelly-so why not give a gift that pays for itself in listening beauty and pleasure? I plan to order some for gifts soon and I hope you will also-you will not be disappointed !

have seen one of Celtic Woman's shows on DVD and without a doubt, it was quite impressive ; the songs and the singing were undescribable, other than just lay down and let it take you places. Amongst the voices, Lisa's stood out, in my opinion, as the most remarkable, and this CD has just reconfirmed this. Very good buy for those who can appreciate good music.

Lisa is such an important voice in CELTIC WOMAN...she will be missed when she leaves the group to be a full-time wife and mother. I wish her all the best and will love listening to her lovely voice on my CDs and DVDs.

Ok, so I've owned this CD for a few months, but it's only these past couple of weeks that I've learned to appreciate it. I'm a big Lisa fan. She's my favorite vocalist of Celtic Woman, so I knew I'd love her CD, but I admittedly had been busy and hadn't given it a chance.

Once I actually listened to it all the way through, however, I fell completely in love with it. I fell in love with the songs and with Lisa's divine voice. David Downes said it right when he said that Lisa just has a sweet voice. It's a kind voice, a confident voice, a clear voice, a soothing, sweet voice. It sounds like she's smiling at you while she's singing. Lisa is so incredibly lovely, and I don't think anyone could top her voice in my mind. It is clear that she was involved in musical theatre. You can tell from the emotional depth of her singing. It adds a lot to it. Love it!

The selection of songs here is perfect. Several of them are from Riverdance, Celtic Woman fans will recognize a few, and there is also one from Gladiator. Many of them have a very good Celtic "feel" to them. When I listen to "Dubhdarra," I can almost see the Irish coastline in my head. It's gorgeous.

Favorite songs of mine would be: "Home and The Heartland," "Dubhdarra," "Now We Are Free" and "Lift The Wings," but truthfully, I love ALL of these songs. There is not one that I can say that I dislike or don't care for. I love them all. I rarely say that about a CD. When I do, I know I've found someone special. Then again, I think it's pretty obvious that Lisa is special. She's an incredible performer and an incredible person.

DEFINITELY get this CD if you are a Celtic Woman fan or a Lisa fan. If you're just a person that really loves soothing, Celtic music, you should purchase it too. You won't be disappointed!

Lisa Kelly has a beautiful voice that brings out the best in Celtic music. The entire presentation is great as the instrumentals do not drown out the vocals.

All of the Celtic Woman group singers and performers are repeat worthy artists, and Orla is no exception. You will not want to play Orla just once and place it in a jumble of your cds lying in a pile. You will want to play Orla over and over and cherish that controlled, haunting, mystical way she has of presenting her material. She is a breath of Irish breeze blowing through our speakers and reaching into our souls, and yes, her voice grows on you til' you realize now this lady can put across a song! I recommend you do not overlook Orla in building your Celtic Woman collection because she has just as much to offer as the rest of them and she is joyous about sharing her gifts with us. If you have not purchased Orla's C D then now is the time to do it.I am a fan of CW-all of them including this classy Irish singer, Orla Fallon.

Orla Fallon has a wonderful voice and her traditional music on this album is a must for anyone who enjoys Celtic Music. Her talent with the Irish Harp is a must hear. As part of the Celtic Woman group you can now here her own special music with this CD.

what i just said above is that me being a first generation american celt on my mom's side and then further back on my father's side both irish/scottish, i appreciate any celtic music particularly this singer and harp player. she's really one of the best singers to come onto the american scene in the past 10 years outside of what was already released in this country. bravo! keep up the excellent work orla as well as all other singers/musicians!
janet lyman

Of all of the CELTIC WOMAN girls, Orla comes across as delightfully Irish through and through...she was indeed well taught at her grandmother's knee. Her voice and her harp are pure joy to listen to.

Orlagh Fallon has a unique, haunting, delicate voice and she superbly uses it to convey a feeling of soothing, inspiring music. Her harp playing is exceptional and this whole album is an example of what an incredible talent she is. Her music is traditional in style, and she is true to her roots. Something all too rare today.
Well worth listening to. It will likely become a favorite of all who experience this wonderful talent.

Sometimes an artist comes along who makes you believe in music again. Máiréad is one of those! This woman is quite possibly one of the most talented human beings I've ever come across. Her ability to blend classical with traditional is unparalleled. When you watch her perform, you can scarcely believe your eyes. She believes in her music, she loves the music and she loves to play. It shows.

Anyway, on to her CD. After seeing her live, I knew I had to have it, and let me tell you, you will not be disappointed if you buy it. It's very different, in my opinion, from Celtic Woman material, and yet I feel that Celtic Woman audiences will love and appreciate it. Many of the songs have an almost ambient feel to them, and combined with the traditional element, you have a very unique CD.

"There is No Night" is a sweet, beautiful song, and probably my favorite, though "Skidoo," "Finan's Isle" and several others come very close. There is an excellent combination of both slow and fast on the album, and I really feel that there's something for everyone. I often listen to her CD in the car and it's great on my morning commute. Her playing is both wonderful and awe-inspiring. "Captain H" is another fantastic song, written by Máiréad herself, along with "Bluelights."

There is one vocal track on the CD. A very interesting, very traditional Irish song sung by Máiréad herself. I was a bit perplexed by it at first, but grew to love it purely because it is so different from anything I've personally heard before.

If you've enjoyed Máiréad in Celtic Woman, you will more than likely love her album. She's a very talented lady who will not soon be forgotten. There is so much more in store for her in the future. I just know it! She just enjoys playing so much that she enables her audience to truly enjoy it as well, whether live or on CD! Also, I would encourage anyone to go out and see Máiréad in concert with Celtic Woman. You'll never forget it!

Thot this would be Celtic music, but it was New Age. If you like New Age, this is definitely for you. If it's Celtic you're after, pass on this one. (There are a couple with Celtic names, but the beauty of the tunes has been obscured.) mb

It's almost too bad this is only a CD due to if you have watched the DVDs of Celtic Woman you can not only listen to her great performance but see how she absolutely enjoys creating the great music. The lucky thing is that you can hear this infectous music again and again.

This CD is fantastic. On every single track Mairead Nesbitt will delight you with her mastery of the violin. She makes the instrument sing in a way that is uniquely hers. Many of the tracks will enchant you with their traditional Irish spirit and the flavor of her rich heritage. This CD also contains tracks that have a more classical feel such as "There is No Night" and a laid-back contemporary style to "Captain H" and "Bluelights". There is definitely something for everyone on this CD.

Fans fresh from having seen the amazing Mairead Nesbitt in the just-concluded Celtic Woman tour of the USA may be searching for more on this fiddling phenomenon. Well, your search is over! "Raining Up" is the product of this amazing talent, supported by a host of other talented musicians, including family members. Those who have seen her in action, whether on tour or through her multitudinous appearances with Celtic Woman on Public Broadcasting (PBS) Service stations everywhere, already know what to expect and are eager to hear more! For others, "Raining Up" may serve as an introduction to Mairead Nesbitt and will be rewarding in it's own right on the strength of the music and performances therein. In either event, the listener will be rewarded and left eagerly waiting for more. We hope to see and hear much more for many years to come from the incomparable Mairead Nesbitt!

Once these songs are embedded in your consciousness, you will almost frown or say grrr when you hear another artist do them, or attempt to do the songs. What comes to mind? Orla singing "Away in a Manger" has there ever been a more tender rendition? Chloe and Orla with Ray Fean and the Gregorian Chant motif what a powerful song "The Little Drummer Boy" is showing our humility as we should in the presence of our Lord and Savior. It is incredible to see and hear this song so adeptly presented on this DVD. Meave, regal, Goddess of heaven singing Silent Night and the Wexford Carol-is there a more ethereal polished parlor soprano now breathing? Her voice is being played wherever people need a cloud to lean on, hospitals, classrooms,in beautiful homes. I heard "Christmas Pipes" the other day while sitting in the Holdiay Inn Waiting Room which is not to demean it as muzak, but to rejoice because you can immediately see the CW group in your mind presenting this beautiful song...Lisa, Ah, Lisa singing " Green the Whole year Round" Christmas love should be all through the year-no one presents it more fully for our ounderstanding than Lisa Kelly.Stunning "O Holy Night" will swell your soul's chorus within--as well as NOEL and O COME ALL ye Faithful ! I have not had the pleasure of hearing the others,Alex, Lynn and Diedre, but I am told they also have beautiful voices. You have to trust David Downes here-the King of talent refinement! all of this Christmas Magic in one inexpensive purchase woven together by the Angel at the Top of the Tree Mairead Nesbitt! What are you people waiting for?
and Give THESE DVDs and CDs as Gifts...as I have done this year. C S

Beautiful; uplifting; pure delight. A very sweet collection, and one I will play every year.

After viewing this performance on PBS I had to have this CD.
This is the absolute best choral Christmas Music ever. None of the new type - shouting, trilling or singing in a fashion where one cannot even make out what is being sung. This gets back to performing a song the way it was originally written and enjoyed. I recommend it to everyone.

This is without a doubt, one of the most talented group of women singers, that I have ever heard or seen. Each is a superb singer on her own, and together it's like listening to the angels singing. I think the arranger/ leader of the orchestra David Downs is to be commended for his arrangements and the bringing together of this group of singers

This Christmas CD is one of the best that I've heard in ages and it's been an absolute pleasre to listen to from start to finish. The DVD is just as fantastic, I hope there will be more to come.