Bill Whelan, the acclaimed Irish composer and producer, invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of his orchestral works with this captivating album. Known for his Grammy Award-winning score for Riverdance, Whelan's compositions seamlessly blend traditional Irish melodies with contemporary orchestral arrangements, creating a sound that is both timeless and innovative.
This album features a diverse collection of Whelan's works, including the enchanting "Linen and Lace" suite, which pays homage to the cities of Belfast and Limerick, and the evocative "Inishlacken" trio, inspired by the rugged beauty of the Irish coastline. The centerpiece of the album is the "Riverdance: A Symphonic Suite," a breathtaking orchestral adaptation of the music that has captivated audiences worldwide. From the hauntingly beautiful "Caoineadh Cú Chulainn" to the exhilarating "Firedance," this suite showcases Whelan's mastery of orchestral composition and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions.
Performed by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David Brophy, and featuring the virtuoso flute playing of James Galway, this album is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect us to our shared humanity. Whether you are a longtime fan of Bill Whelan's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression. So sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies and stirring orchestrations of Bill Whelan's Orchestral Works transport you to a world of sound and imagination.
(C) 2018 RTÉ lyric FM
Tracks
Linen and Lace: I. BelfastBill Whelan, James Galway, David Brophy, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Linen and Lace: II. LimerickBill Whelan, James Galway, David Brophy, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Linen and Lace: III. Two CitiesBill Whelan, James Galway, David Brophy, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Inishlacken: I. The CurrachBill Whelan, Helena Woods, Zoë Conway, David Brophy, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Inishlacken: II. The Island TernsBill Whelan, Helena Woods, Zoë Conway, David Brophy, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Inishlacken: III. Evening CéilíBill Whelan, Helena Woods, Zoë Conway, David Brophy, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: I. CloudsongBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: II. Reel Around the SunBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: III. Caoineadh Cú Chulainn (Cú Chulainn's Lament)Bill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: IV. The Countess Cathleen / Woman of SidheBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: V. FiredanceBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: VI. Slip into SpringBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: VII. Macedonian MorningBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: VIII. Marta's Dance / The Russian DervishBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: IX. Lift the WingsBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: X. AndaluciaBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy
Riverdance, A Symphonic Suite: XI. Cloudsong, RiverdanceBill Whelan, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, David Brophy