‘To the Northeast’ – Choral music by John Buckley
John Buckley is one of a group of highly talented and inspired composers from Ireland who have embraced today’s need for music which is rich and diverse, complex but accessible too. His considerable output includes chamber and vocal works as well as his exceptional choral music of which we have a selection here. From folk song adaptations to classic text settings and a range of serious, pastoral and witty pieces, the new album ‘To the Northeast’ is one that stands out from the crowd and is truly memorable.
Also from Dublin, Mornington Singers are superbly conducted by Orla Flanagan, and provide a performance which in each work is totally in tune with the text and the setting. Most songs are in English, though the Five Two-Part songs for children are sung in Gaelic Irish.
Track Listing
-
John Buckley (b.1951)
- Music, when soft voices die (3:21)
- To Sleep (4:06)
- Jabberwocky (4:42) Five Two-Part Songs for Children:
- I. Suantraí (Lullaby) (3:04)
- II. Tá Cat Agam sa Bhaile (I Have a Cat at Home) (0:58)
- III. An Gairdín Álainn (The Beautiful Garden) (3:06)
- IV. Ceol Earraigh (Spring Music) (1:35)
- V. Sí Éire Ár d’Tír-se (Ireland is Our Country) (2:24)
- He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven (4:54)
- There is a Spot mid Barren Hills (3:55)
- I. Down by the Salley Gardens (2:32)
- II. Kitty of Coleraine
- III. My Lagan Love
- Lux Aeterna (3:25) To the Northeast:
- I. To the Northeast (4:54)
- II. On the Plain of Lir (2:49)
- III. Harbour Song (6:10)
Three Irish Folksongs:
Reviews
“Buckley’s writing is skilfully crafted. Chromaticism plays an important part in these settings which he uses creatively. Orla Flanagan’s Mornington Singers are an exceptional group of finely trained musicians, and their interpretation of the music is outstandingBuckley’s writing is skilfully crafted. Chromaticism plays an important part in these settings which he uses creatively. Orla Flanagan’s Mornington Singers are an exceptional group of finely trained musicians, and their interpretation of the music is outstanding.
” —Shirley Ratcliffe
“John Buckley’s music resists classification in a single “school” or “ism.” This makes for a pleasantly diverse listening experience. Buckley could not wish for better advocates of his music, which shines under Flanagan’s deft direction. These performances and the music itself are worth the attention of listeners looking for fine modem choral music.
” —James V. Maiello
“John Buckley is one of those composers who can write adeptly in just about any style he chooses. The choir champions Buckley’s music with handsome tone and expressive colors.
” —Philip Greenfield
“Beautiful and timeless, interesting and not too challenging; any choir singers would find the album educational, maybe even inspirational.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“This CD gets off to a wonderful start [with] a near perfect five-part choral setting…. a truly perfect fusion of words and music. The singing is ideal on this recording. Mornington Singers and their director Orla Flanagan present a purity of sound, a perfect balance of parts and an enthusiastic understanding of the music and texts. I cannot fault this CD. It is already shaping up to be one of my major discoveries of the year.
” —John France
![Don't miss Ryan de Ryke and Daniel Schlosberg's recording of “Looking to Euridice” from Doug Lofstrom's song cycle, “Myths and Accidents” in @Deezer's top Classical New Release picks playlist! [in bio]](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/548897030_18290642122283342_3529111172261449990_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=sdvbSsdrBa8Q7kNvwGc6L1b&_nc_oc=AdnM3vLW-ERHXTZebPRz5M3FCGqUKxdtZZQsW8so2BgrFLmLFG4odoGpjepQ-34JJOQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=twBO_4rzpr_NbWEbe6-3qw&oh=00_AfampJ6G2yFdIskxjWwRZrp0JxtwAR97BNCaTsnpJART_w&oe=68D7C054)
