Our Review
Celtic music aficionados will absolutely adore The Barra MacNeils' Cape Breton Christmas DVD. The talented, close-knit MacNeil family consists of Lucy (vocals, violin, bodhran), Sheumas (backing vocals, piano & keyboards), Stewart (vocals, whistles, bass, guitar) and Kyle (vocals, violin, mandolin, guitar). Their musicianship is superb, and the harmonies are a rich delight.
The DVD takes you to a Barra MacNeils' concert, encompassing a live televised concert (filmed in St. Matthew's Church in Halifax) from several years ago. Although the DVD is over 40 minutes in length, that includes more than just the concert excerpts; it also contains interviews with the Barras at home and a terrific music video. The DVD contains many, but not all, of the same numbers as the Barra MacNeils' CD Christmas Album. Of the eight pieces presented, the a cappella "O Come Divine Messiah" is especially compelling, but all are excellent. Most songs start with one of the MacNeils giving a brief narrative regarding the number.
If you have never visited Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, then you are in for a real treat. The Barra MacNeils' Cape Breton Christmas will take you there. The DVD's Chapter 16 presents a delightful travelogue highlighting the unique pleasures and striking beauty of this precious piece of Canada. My husband and I were fortunate to visit Cape Breton's Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in the early 1980s, and it was far and away the most amazing (and largest) historical recreation we have ever seen. Make the trip--it's worth it for the spectacular scenery, not to mention the incredible music.
Although the Barra MacNeils have several CDs at Amazon.com, I did not find the holiday offerings (DVD or CD) there. These works are, however, available online through several Canadian retailers, including Castlebay Music (www.castlebaymusic.com).
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)
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From the liner notes:
Live Christmas Concert, as seen on television, plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barras at home at Christmas and a Barra MacNeils music video.
The Barra MacNeils
The Barra MacNeils' Cape Breton Christmas
(DVD)
Artist site
Label: New Scotland Pictures, Inc.
Length: 40 minutes
Genre: Celtic
Release: 2003
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Carol of the Bells |
| Snow Plough Set |
| Taladh Chriosda (Christ Child Lullaby) |
| O Holy Night |
| O Come Divine Messiah |
| God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
| Auld Lang Syne |
| Christmas in Killarny |