Irish Symphonia

Irish Showtime

Irish music has a long and venerable history, from the itinerant harpers and singers of mediaeval times to the rock and pop stars of today. Drinking songs, jigs and reels, laments, sentimental ballads and Irish Choral music all played a part in the rich musical tapestry of Irish music.

One of the most surprising developments of recent years is the unbridled popularity of Irish Stepdancing in the form of stage shows such as Riverdance, Lord Of the Dance and Feet Of Flames.

The sudden rise of stepdancing began in 1994 when World Champion Michael Flatley was joined by a talented troupe of Irish dancers on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest to perform a piece called Riverdance. The ecstatic crowd at the Point Depot in Dublin erupted at the conclusion of the exciting dance routine and the show was watched by a similarly enthusiastic TV audience of several million people.

Soon, the seven-minute routine was expanded into a full stage show, featuring music by Bill Whelan, performed on a variety of traditional Irish and contemporary electronic instruments. When Michael Flatley left the hugely successful Riverdance troupe, he produced and starred in two more stage productions Lord Of the Dance and Feet Of Flames.

This remarkable 3CD set was recorded at Windmill Studios, Dublin and includes the highlights from each of the stage productions as well as superb recordings of Irish favourites – almost three hours of outstanding musical performances.

Disc 1  Includes Riverdance and other Irish favourites

1. Riverdance
2. The Heart’s Cry
3. Star Of The County Down
4. Paddy In The Smoke
5. Hair Of The Dog
6. Whiskey In The Jar
7. Poteen In The Parlour
8. The Lonesome Boatman
9. Gossip Through The Half-Door
10. Down By The Sally Gardens
11. Aunt Polly’s Remedy
12. Home Again In Eireann
13. The Tarbolton
14. The Longford Collection
15. The Sailor’s Bonnet
16. Sauce For The Goose
17. Bumper Squire Jones
18. Chickens In The Barnyard
19. The Old And New Copperplate Reels
20. Riverdance (reprise)

Disc 2  Includes Lord Of The Dance and other Irish favourites

1. Lord Of The Dance
2. Our Wedding Day
3. Siúil A Rún
4. Cockles And Mussels
5. Riley Was A Rascal
6. The Spinning Wheel
7. Barney Hare
8. By The Banks O’ Red Roses
9. The Blackthorn Stick
10. Monto
11. Last Train To Wexford
12. The Harp That Once
13. Star Of Munster
14. Tap Of The Pipe
15. Clare Tune
16. The Lark In The Morning
17. The Road To Kildare
18. The Three Leafed Shamrock
19. Spancil Hill
20. Lord Of The Dance (reprise)

Disc 3  Includes Feet Of Flames and other Irish favourites

1. Celtic Fire
2. Dance Above The Rainbow
3. I Dreamt I Dwelt
4. Duelling Violins
5. Whispering Wind
6. Flaming Fiddles
7. Carrickfergus
8. Strings Of Fire
9. The Last Rose Of Summer
10. Galway Gathering
11. Feet Of Flames (A Tribute)
12. Piping Hot
13. The Story’s End
14. My Lagan Love
15. Fiddler’s Elbow
16. Brandy For The Bishop
17. Flop Eared Mule
18. The Kid On The Mountain
19. Rakish Paddy
20. Feet Of Flames (A Tribute) (reprise)