Beyond the Waves, Ciara Considine’s sophomore album, is as powerful and ethereal as the myths and stories of Ireland itself.  Listening to the album, one is easily transported to another world of hills, sea and mist.  Having come from a musical family, trained at the Royal Northern College of Music (with Helen Krizos) and having performed for years, the immense skill, talent, and experience Ciara possesses is more than obvious in her arrangements, musical versatility and the emotional depth conveyed in each of the tracks.

In “Is Ar Éirinn Ní Neosfainn Cé Hí,” meaning ‘For Ireland I’d Not Tell Her Name,’ the longing and emotion involved in each phrase is palatable and wrings the heart.  Even though the words are in Gaelic one can still understand the heartache involved in this sad love story.  The gentleness of the harp and the softness of the strings during this piece further help one to feel the sadness and love.  Likewise, Ciara takes even well known songs such as “Raglan Road” and “Fields of Athenry” and makes them her own, emotionally and musically.

Moreover, her own original arrangements also have a life of their own and paint powerful pictures for the listener.  Written with her childhood days on her grandparent’s farm in mind, the opening track “Gaelic Child” conveys the joy and whimsical nature of childhood freedom through the light, airiness of both the harp and the flute.  “The Linnet” and “The Sea Dance” are also beautifully arranged tunes that will surely put one at ease and make one smile.

All in all, Beyond the Waves is a beautiful album and well-composed album.

Artist: Ciara Considine

Buy Album:  Beyond the Waves

Stephen Mc Sweeney is a High School English/Drama teacher.  Besides writing for the Celtic Music Magazine, he enjoys acting, writing and playing Celtic music.  He can be seen as one of the members of the band Terrible Musicians, where he plays percussion and mandolin.