February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
THE BEST OF CELTIC CHRISTMAS
Compiled by Earle Hitchner
The first disc includes an array of top artists and musicians from Altan, Bonnie Rideout and Cathie Ryan to the Ensemble Choral Du Bout Du Monde and Natalie McMaster. The second CD is entirely given over to “The night Before . . . A Celtic Christmas by Dordan. Available from Narada Productions ([414] 961-8350 or mattners@narada.com).
A WINTER’S NIGHT
Christmas in the Great Hall
Ensemble Galilei
Christmas without music would be like a violin without strings, but Ensemble Galilei leave nothing to chance with this energetically performed collection of Christmas instrumental classics as well as carols from Ireland, Scotland, Spain and Galicia. This CD was recorded in the Great Hall of St. John’s College, Annapolis, Md., and features the talents of Liz Knowles, Sue Richards and Kieran O’Hare. Maggie’s Music ([410] 867-0642 or www.maggiesmusic.com).
AN IRISH CHRISTMAS FEAST
John B. Keane
Settle into your favorite chair over the Christmas holidays with this collection from the late great storyteller from Kerry. This is the first even omnibus collection of John B. Keane short stories with a holiday theme and there are no fewer than 50 tales between the covers including “The Great Christmas Raid at Balleybooley” and “Last Christmas Eve of the Twentieth Century.” Carroll @ Graf (Avalon Publishing Group). 415 pp. $23.
THE BIG HOUSE IN IRELAND
Valerie and Thomas Pakenham
Follow us on social media
Keep up to date with the latest news with The Irish Echo
The history of the “big house” in Ireland is a turbulent one. For centuries, they were seen as bastions of pomp and privilege that stood out sharply against the backdrop of rural poverty and political suppression. All, of course, has changed and Ireland’s big houses now find themselves the center of historical curiosity even as they adapt to new functions such as operating as hotels and guest houses. This richly illustrated book opens the door on the history and evolving role of institutions that were destined to become as Irish as the landscape around them. Sterling Publishing (www.sterlingpub.com). 192 pp. $24.95.