Written and recorded by brothers Mychael & Jeff Danna between their other scoring projects,
A Celtic Tale is the soundtrack to an imaginary film of the Irish legend of Deirdre. Both the album and the legend reflect many aspects of love and sorrow. The Danna brothers mix Celtic folk, symphonic, and ambient music into a distinctive and fitting setting for Deirdre's star-crossed story. Though she is betrothed to a king, Deirdre finds her true love; she and her lover are exiled. When they try to return to their land, Deirdre's lover is killed, and she is imprisoned by the king she was to marry. Love and war blend in Deirdre's story; similarly, the music combines authentic Celtic instruments such as fiddle, tin whistle, flute, uilleann and highland pipes, and wire-strung harp with orchestral power and electronic atmospherics. Both listenable and powerful,
A Celtic Tale showcases the Dannas' skill for creating emotionally accessible, technically beautiful music. [This version features narration of Deirdre's tale by Fiona Ritchie, famous in Celtic music circles for her National Public Radio show, The Thistle and Shamrock. Though her narration is slightly rapid, her charming Scottish brogue enhances the Celtic flavor of the music as it gives words to Deirdre's sorrow.] ~ Heather Phares