Chumbawamba - ABCDEFG

Altan - 25th Anniversary Celebration with the RTE Concert Orchestra

Altan celebrate their 25th year with beautiful, full bodied, orchestral reworking of some of their favourite numbers. To the original Altan arrangements Fiachra Trench has added his orchestral scores. In the half dozen instrumental tracks Altan remain very much in front of the orchestra. The orchestral arrangements are reminiscent of film scores, to me they bring images of sweeping aerial shots of green valleys, hills sweeping down to the village scene and dancing. Plenty of rich and majestic soundscapes, chording strings, deep drums with Altan rising above it all.

Most of the songs are in Gaelic with just a couple in English. The orchestral arrangement here are bolder. Strings surging and retreating like waves on the shore, the full weight of the orchestra being employed in phrases between the lyrics. Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh vocals are mostly classically clear and simple, ornamentation being used sparingly on a few songs.

All in all Altan have given themselves and their fans a rich, lush recording which will consolidate their position as one of Ireland’s premier traditionally based bands. It should also appeal to wider audience for whom its cinematic style will be familiar. Altan are performing these arrangements with some local orchestras in the States, so keep an eye out for any concerts they may arrange over here in the future.
Nick Howard
IRL IRL044 david|@|spiritmm.com 0208 7416020 www.altan.ie