Celtic Roots
OnCeltic Roots, the early-music revivalists Hesperus perform a selection of English, Irish, and Scottish tunes drawn from the earliest printed sources, some of which date back to the 17th century. Hesperus eschew modern instruments to play this ancient music, favoring instead period instruments like lutes, recorders, theorbos, and violas da gamba as well as the now standard harps and violins. Their performances are historically informed but there is nothing stuffy or academic about the way they play. They attack the dance tunes with a vigor that would pass muster in the rowdiest pub session and play the slow airs with deep emotion. A lot of the music will be familiar to fans of Celtic music even if the instruments used to play it are not. Hesperus have performed a valuable service in reminding us that tunes like "Soldier's Joy," "Haste to the Wedding," and "Cary Owen" are a vital link to the past.--Michael Simmons