This was originally recorded in the late 60s, near the end of The Robert Shaw Chorale's reign as arguably the finest chorus in the U.S., and the arrangements are by Alice Parker, who I personally consider to be among the best choral arrangers since Bach.

There is nothing particularly challenging on this disc, but everything is just so well done. The interpretations are tasteful, never unduly bombastic or corny. Except for just a few passages, the a capella intonation is spot on throughout the entire disc (sadly, too much the rarity). And despite the somewhat limited tibral palette of an unaccompanied mixed chorus and the single genre of traditional Irish folk songs, this disc has not grown boring, even after repeated playings.

The sonics were a pleasant surprise, too. The sound is reasonably warm and clear, much better than I expected from late-60s RCA. BMG did cheap out on the liner notes, though. Nothing more than song credits and a cheesy stock photo of the shore. Otherwise, a great reissue.


Robert we're glad we knew ye   June 28, 2000
 17 out of 19 found this review helpful

As with any Robert Shaw conducted chorale, this CD far supercedes traditional expectations about the performance of a single genre of music. As with his Sea Shanties recording, in this set of songs Mr. Shaw focused into a particular area of choral literature, this time with old Irish Folk Songs. Although each song has had a makeover by Alice Parker, the arrangements are a welcome sight into their appeal to a current listener. No, unfortunately every song may not appeal melodically or emotionally to a particualr listener, but if nothing else listen to them for the tremendous aesthetic value of a superior chorale. As with any typical Shaw recording, the voices are richly blended within each piece to bring about the finest aspects of it. From the beginning the resonance of the men of the chorale is obvious but not too prominent and never becomes a distraction. The women blend well without coming close to screeching or scratching away valued musical methods. Through such pieces as Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye and The Girl I Left Behind Me Shaw showed great control of dynamics and intonation. This CD is yet another example that should be produced for today's and tomorrow's singers as a model of how to correctly perform choral literature. A worthy addition to any collection of Shaw/Parker collaboratins.


Classic Irish Tunes in the Air!   April 10, 2006
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Robert Shaw was the master of choral singing in his day and the many albums of choral music, both a cappella and accompanied, both light classics and the big works, remain as a tribute to his gifts.

IRISH FOLK SONGS are sung by the chorale unaccompanied in a simple straightforward fashion without the at times flawed scooping tones heard in other choral renditions. The songs are all tunes we've heard - no surprises here - but the quality of choral tone and inflection is unmatched. Included are exquisite versions of 'Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye', 'The Parting Glass', 'My Gentle Harp', 'Avenging and Bright' along with the more popular tunes.

This is one of those nostalgia recordings, CDs you bring out for certain moods, and this is one that will stay active on the section of the much-played shelf! Grady Harp, April 06


Excellent soft Irish songs   June 22, 2005
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

If you like soft Irish songs sung very well, this CD is a good choice. The Robert Shaw Chorale gives an excellent performance, the orchestration is excellent and it is a very easy listening CD. It is a mix of nostalgic and love songs. A good CD to buy.


Lucious, beautiful, gorgeous, but alas, incomprehensible   November 15, 2005
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Mostly I agree with the other reviewers. If all you want is lovely sound and melodies for playing as background or mood music, you'll be delighted.

However, the lyrics on virtually every track cannot be understood. Here and there a few words and phrases break through, but that's it. You won't understand anything else unless you already know the words. One of the other reviewers hits on the real problem here: BMG's cheap job on the liner notes. There aren't any. This disk really needed the lyrics.

By the way, the second to last track is "Garry Owen", the regimental battle march of Custer's 7th Cavalry in its folk song form. You still won't understand too much of the song, but the CD may be worth it just for that track.