Catalogue no. 93195
Ensemble Polaris’s first CD, released in 2000, was selected as one of August 2000’s Discs of the Month by Classic CD Magazine of the UK. At present available only in digital download format, you can find the whole album or individual tracks at your favourite download service. Here’s a link to Amazon.com:
Kirk Elliott, violin, Celtic harp, Swedish pipes, bouzouki and more; Margaret Gay, cello; Ben Grossman, percussion; Catherine Keenan, hurdy gurdy; Terry McKenna, guitar, lute; Alison Melville, flutes, recorders; Colin Savage, clarinet, bass clarinet, recorders.
With Tiina Orpana and Sarah Granskou, guest singers.
Halb Sirp, arr. Ensemble Polaris – featuring Tiina Orpana
Reviews:
‘While there’s nothing precious about their approach, Ensemble Polaris takes a holistic view…Ancient songs with extraordinary words, laments and dances are all reworked here for modern ears…The arrangements are absolutely spot on…’ Classic CD (UK)
‘This music is inventive. This music is full of passion. This music made me like the clarinet…’ Customer review, Amazon.com
‘The combination of musicians makes for a most attractive whole…This CD does not have a single ponderous or difficult moment. The music is full of energy, but remains charming throughout. A lovely atmosphere for a cold winter’s eve.’
New Folk Sounds (Holland)
‘Half ethno, half hip, and always enjoyable.’ American Recorder