The Celtic Women by David Downes - Essay Example

The combination of the four elements allows for a truly powerful musical connection with the audience. The Celtic Women sang a Capella, with the added orchestra and percussion section beautifully.

Some critics have criticized the Celtic Women for using prerecorded music for some of the orchestras. I could not tell a difference. The orchestra performing on the albums is large. It would be impossible to make an orchestra that large to tour on a busy schedule like the Celtic Women have. The live orchestra performed flawlessly. The prerecorded music did not detract from the overall show.

The two songs I enjoyed the most were “Danny Boy” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. These two songs were my favorites because I have heard them a million times. From high school performances of “Danny Boy” to Judy Garland's rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, I have heard these two songs in a variety of ways. The Celtic Women's performance of these numbers has to be the best I have ever heard. The soul-wrenching emotion placed into each song made me feel true sorrow and hope. One does not just listen to Celtic Women's music but feels it as well.

The atmosphere of the Celtic Women's concert was also magical. Lights were raised and lowered flatteringly on the Celtic Women, chorus, and orchestra. The costumes of long flowing dresses gave the women the appearance of floating on air. The fiddler's costume was the most amazing, although, like the other Celtic Women, this dress allowed her to dance and fiddle at the same time. The effect was like a fairy dancing across the stage. Smoke surrounded the orchestra, giving off a misty Celtic feel. The whole event was magical.

Many critics have argued that the Celtic Women are not authentically Celtic, since they play modern songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” or even songs with Christian overtones. However, I got the impression of today's Ireland through Celtic Women's music. It is not just Celtic of the past, but of the present and future. All of the songs were presented in a very Celtic way, even if their music has been influenced by other cultures. I do not think the authenticity effect my enjoyment of the concert.

I think the reason I enjoyed the Celtic Women so much is twofold. First, I went with an open mind. I did not go expecting a Riverdance, an authentic Celtic show, or thinking about bad reviews. The Celtic Women concert was a musical experience for me. Secondly, the Celtic Women are good vocalists aside from their dancing and choreographed moves. The music was good and soulful.

If I were to make a recommendation about the Celtic Women, it would depend on the person I was advising. I would advise an individual who loved music to go. For someone looking for true Celtic origins, I would advise not to go. I liked the Celtic Women concert. Read More