This year, Julie Amacher counts down her six favorite New Classical Tracks interviews of 2016 and shares them in their entirety on "New Classical Tracks Uncut."
For December 30, Julie shares her full conversation with Desmond Earley, director of the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin, who talks about the ensemble's newest album, Invisible Stars. In so doing, Earley describes the composition of the choir — its members aren't just music students — as well as the role of music in traditional Irish culture.
"Song is central to the Irish musical imagination," Earley says. "And a glimpse at Irish history would reveal a whole catalog of songs exploring themes of loss, happiness, emigration, lamenting; and these various aspects of Irish songs certainly have a trinity or threefold element — there are three types of Irish song in the Irish traditional music genre or oeuvre. And they are, broadly: goltraí, which is an Irish word for lament; suantraí, which is a lullaby; and geantraí, which is a joyful song. And we've got nearly each type on the disc."
Hear the full conversation using the audio player above, or by subscribing to the New Classical Tracks podcast for this and every episode.
Resources
Choral Scholars of University College Dublin - official site
Subscribe to New Classical Tracks (iTunes)
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About New Classical Tracks®
Host Julie Amacher provides an in-depth exploration of a new classical music release each week.
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