Riverdance

• Artist: Bill Whelan
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1996 02
• Total Time: 72:16
• Genre: Celtic

Review

Even though the visual elements are missing, this soundtrack to Riverdance sounds quite spectacular, making a no-holds-barred attempt to captivate the listener with grandiose variations on Celtic musical forms. Adding to the grandeur and magic of the music are performances by artists such as Davy Spillane, Maire Breatnach, Anúna, Nicola Parov, and others who are forces to reckon with individually. The music transits between soaring vocal pieces and floor-shaking orchestral numbers that possess astonishing energy. Lead ceilidh dancer Michael Flatley left the production under something of a cloud, turning up later with the derivative and far more mediocre Lord of the Dance. On this recording he, female lead Jean Butler, and the other ceilidh dancers can be heard providing taps on three tracks, including the thunderous "The Countess Cathleen/Women of the Sidhe." ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Reel Around the Sun	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(8:40)
The Heart's Cry	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(2:26)
The Countess Cathleen/Women of the Sidhe	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(5:42)
Caoineadh Cú Chulainn (Lament)	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(4:09)
Shivna	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(3:38)
Firedance	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(6:02)
Slip into Spring	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(3:44)
Riverdance	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(5:42)
American Wake (The Nova Scotia Set)	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(3:07)
Lift the Wings	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(4:58)
Macedonian Morning	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(2:56)
Marta's Dance/The Russian Dervish	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(6:03)
Andalucia	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(4:19)
Home and the Heartland	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(3:25)
The Harvest	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(3:38)
Riverdance [Remix]	Bill Whelan	Bill Whalen	(3:47)

Credits

Eileen Ivers (Fiddle), Maire Breatnach (Fiddle), Andrew Boland (Engineer), Andrew Boland (Remixing), Andrew Boland (Mixing), Ronan Browne (Uillean Pipes), Jean Butler (Dance (Tap)), Robbie Casserly (Bass), Robbie Casserly (Drums), Noel Eccles (Percussion), Tom Hayes (Spoons), Tom Hayes (Bodhran), Nick Ingman (Orchestration), Bob Ludwig (Mastering), Martin O'Connor (Accordion), Eoghan O'Neill (Guitar (Bass)), Nikola Parov (Kaval), Nikola Parov (Gadulka), Rafael Riqueni (Guitar), Rafael Riqueni (Palmas), Davy Spillane (Whistle (Human)), Davy Spillane (Uillean Pipes), Bill Whelan (Arranger), Bill Whelan (Producer), Bill Whelan (Main Performer), Bill Whelan (Orchestration), Bill Whelan (Remixing), Bill Whelan (Palmas), Anúna (?), Cormac Breatnach (Whistle (Instrument)), Sara Clancy (?), Katie McMahon (?), Riverdance (Main Performer), Michael Flatley (Dance (Tap)), Aine Ui Cheallaigh (Vocals), Rob Kirwan (Assistant Engineer), Des Moore (Guitar (Acoustic)), Anthony Drennan (Guitar), Conan Doyle (Assistant Engineer), Willie Mannion (Assistant Engineer), Conal Markey (Assistant Engineer), Michael McGlynn (Conductor), Prionsias O'Duinn (Conductor), Desi Reynolds (Drums), Desi Reynolds (Tom-Tom), Ciáran Cahil (Assistant Engineer), Kenneth Edge (Sax (Soprano)), Bill Whalen (Performer), Alastair McMillian (Assistant Engineer), Riverdance Orchestra (?), Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe (Dance (Tap)), Juan Reina Gonzalez (Cantor), Juan Reina Gonzalez (Palmas)