The original literary Acallam na Senórach, a Middle Irish narrative from the late 12th or early 13th century, is considered one of the most important and longest surviving works of original medieval Irish literature.
Performer Biography
Paul Hillier, the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Chamber Choir of Ireland, has a career spanning singing, conducting, and writing, and has received numerous awards including two Grammys and an OBE.
Composition History
Tarik O'Regan's work, Acallam na Senórach: an Irish Colloquy, is the latest musical addition to a process of evolution of the Irish-language text of the same name, ongoing since the twelfth century.
Compositional Technique
The music for Acallam na Senórach is imbued with an air of Arab and Persian influence, particularly in the guitar writing, reflecting historical trade and cultural exchanges between Ireland and North Africa/Near East.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tarik O'Regan's musical setting of Acallam na Senórach maintains an unwavering secular/sacred osmosis, depicting a thoughtful exchange of ideas between Ireland's old pagan order and the modernizing force of Christianity.
Recording & Production
This recording marks the National Chamber Choir of Ireland's debut on the harmonia mundi label.
