FIONA MCALLISTER: Echo

Fiona McAllister

Echo

© 2003 Fiona McAllister (667292029128)

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Melodic and haunting renditions of timeless and original tunes played on the ancient hammered dulcimer with beautifully orchestrated accompaniment.

tracks

1 South Wind
2 Ash Grove
3 The Blackest Crow
4 Child Grove
5 Planxty Irwin
6 Homeruler Hornpipe
7 Greensleeves
8 Wings for Kyra
9 St. Basil's Hymn
10 Planxty Fanny Power
11 Scarborough Fair
12 Midnight on the Water
13 Scolly's Reel
14 Sweet Hour of Prayer

notes

"These ancient tunes sing out through the passage of time for a reason... they are captivating."

The hammered dulcimer is an ancient instrument. It originated in Persia and is played in many countries including Europe, the middle east, Russia, and even the Chinese symphony. It moved to Europe in the eleventh century and is a precursor to the piano. The beautiful instrument used in this recording is 4 1/2 octaves and has 96 strings. The strings are sounded by hitting them with two wooden hammers. The beautiful rich tone has wonderful sustain and can be very haunting when played slowly. The fact that the hammers recoil when they hit the strings means that the instrument can be also be played very quickly. This makes the dulcimer an incredibly versatile instrument.

Originally from England, Fiona currently lives in Denver, North Carolina. She performs for wedding and festivals. She also demonstrates 10 different instruments in "Strings and Things", an educational school program that includes the Chinese lute, Irish harp, Greek bouzouki, psalteries, dulcimers, guitar, banjo, violin and more. "I love their different voices", says Fiona of her instruments. "And I love the diverse cultures and musical styles behind each of them."

"This CD is composed of songs that I found so enchanting that they continually echoed in my head until I replaced those echoes with the next song." Said Fiona. The CD is comprised of predominantly traditional British music, reflecting her English heritage.

reviews

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  • A delightful CD that should be remain fresh and enjoyable for years
    author: Joel Paul

    Echo is a delightful CD that I'll enjoy for years to come. It's an impressive array of songs that are both familiar in the classical tradition of the British Isles and made refreshingly bold and modern by very colorful arrangements. The dulcimer is played with a clarity that comes across with a gentleness of an artist fully engaged with the spirit of these songs. Richly accompanied and never intrusive, the arrangements feel at times Enyaesque in texture and beauty. I highly recommend Echo by Fiona McAllister.

  • absolutely gorgeous music, clear and sparkling as sunlit water
    author: Ann Campanella

    Echo is filled with absolutely gorgeous music! The dulcimer tones are so rich, beautiful and resonant. The songs are lyrical and lively, haunting and uplifting. Each time I listen I am transported to a quiet soulful place. I have played the CD during the holidays, at gatherings with family and friends and when I'm alone and it always makes the room come alive. I can imagine this music at weddings and so many other occasions. If you enjoy sound that flows clear and sparkling as sunlit water over smooth stone this is the CD for you!

  • Her folksy musical style is captivating and soothing to the soul.
    author: Jeff Johnson

    Fiona, has done it again! Her folksy musical style is captivating and soothing to the soul. Hearing the hammered dulcimer sends the soul back to an era when life was simple.

  • Her folksy musical style is captivating and soothing to the soul.
    author: Jeff Johnson

    Fiona, has done it again! Her folksy musical style is captivating and soothing to the soul. Hearing the hammered dulcimer sends the soul back to an era when life was simple.

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