Album: Paul Hillier, National Chamber Choir of Ireland, Tarik O'Regan: Acallam na Senórach – an Irish Colloquy

Friday 14 October 2011 00:00 BST

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A Middle Irish narrative tale like the Canterbury Tales, the Acallam na Senórach tells of St. Patrick's education in Irish history through dialogues with warriors who fought alongside Finn MacCool.

The dialogues are set by the composer Tarik O'Regan for 16 voices, accompanied by the guitar and thrumming bodhran that open the "Prologue" before the choir enters like sunrise, an enlightening effect echoing the text's substance. Led by Paul Hillier, the National Chamber Choir of Ireland negotiates dissonance and harmony with drama and nobility, never endangering the piece through pomposity – a delicate balance aided by the sparseness of the guitar.

DOWNLOAD THIS Part One; Part Two

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Album: Paul Hillier, National Chamber Choir of Ireland, Tarik O'Regan: Acallam na Senórach – an Irish Colloquy

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