Press & Reviews

“McDonagh's The Irish Four Seasons is an idiomatic and compelling synthesis of traditional Irish music, blending captivating melodies with classical form. The four movements follow the pattern of Vivaldi's Seasons, weaving enchanting lines in Earrach (Spring), sharing a rhythmic affinity in Samhradh (Summer), and showcasing violin virtuosity in Fómhar (Autumn). In Geimhreadh (Winter), listeners are treated to a beautiful gift for melody.”

“McDonagh's Irish Four Seasons is a beautifully judged, rewarding melding of Irish-style tunes and Baroque-style settings, from the shapely phrases in the solo opening to 'Earrach' ('Spring') to the unearthly, icy purity of 'Geimhreadh' ('Winter').”

“The Irish Four Seasons is very much in the mould of such early 20th-century violin concertos as Sibelius's and Korngold's. McDonagh wisely did not attempt to write a neo-Baroque piece, but created essentially a neo-Romantic one that allows the soloist to shine ... this CD is worth considering for Ailbhe McDonagh's workmanlike and often moving concerto.”

“The pairing of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons with the world premiere recording of McDonagh's The Irish Four Seasons was a natural choice. The former is an intimate, warm and upbeat performance, but it's really the McDonagh work that drives the CD – and it's a real gem.”

“The chief attraction of this album is Ailbhe McDonagh's The Irish Four Seasons, where ideas from Vivaldi intertwine with Irish sounds, creating something fresh and distinctive. McDonagh's Geimhreadh (Winter) finale gathers material from earlier movements, suggesting, as noted, that 'all four seasons can happen in one day' in Ireland. Subtle yet accessible, this is music that anyone can enjoy while tracing its connections to Vivaldi's Four Seasons.”

“McDonagh has accomplished something quite remarkable in so deftly honouring Vivaldi whilst at the same time weaving Ireland's musical heritage into the writing.”

“Ailbhe McDonagh's The Irish Four Seasons is a well-crafted, subtly engaging work that pays tribute to Vivaldi while asserting its distinct Irish origins. The movement sequence follows Vivaldi's pattern, with Irish-inflected material throughout. Earrach (Spring) is gentle and lyrical, Samhradh (Summer) has a Vivaldi-like effervescence, Fómhar (Autumn) offers a dance-like quality with a distinct Irish accent, and Geimhreadh (Winter) combines lyricism and an intense burst of enthusiasm. This piece deserves further hearings and stands out when paired with the Vivaldi original.”

“McDonagh's work is the real interest here: taking each season in one movement, the composer weaves together Irish melodies and Glass-like repetition to stirring effect.”

“Ailbhe McDonagh's The Irish Four Seasons brings an impassioned close to this recording. Opening with the longing of Earrach (Spring), followed by the vivacious energy of Samhradh (Summer), the flirtatious charm of Fómhar (Autumn), and culminating in the lonesome craving of Geimhreadh (Winter), McDonagh's work adds a distinctive emotional depth to the album.”

“I will never get tired of fresh musical takes on the seasons. Sure, Vivaldi's set has been recorded plenty, but when the concept gets paired with another composer, it just always works. Ailbhe McDonagh's Irish set is no exception, as violinist Lynda O'Connor is joined by the ensemble Anamus.”