JOY TO THE WORLD
As it is the 8 th. of December and as I saw this lady perform in Rathkeale the other night, what better way to launch the Christmas festival than with this spirited version of Isaac Watts timeless classic, 'Joy to the World'.Moya Brennan is known of course as the 'voice of Clannad' the family group who came out of Donegal and became a worldwide phenomenon with their mix of Celtic music and swirling synthesisers. Moya herself went on to publicly announce her Christian commitment and has made several solo albums with songs that reflect her faith. The performance last week at Saint Mary's church in County Limerick was stunning and while I had always enjoyed her music I was struck by her powerful (yet gentle) stage presence which added another layer to the songs. About 3 years ago she released 'An Irish Christmas' from which this particular hymn is taken, if you can get hold of a copy it will enhance your celebration of Christ's birth.
Gerard O'Shea
'Dew of Hermon', is taken from a line in Psalm 133. The writer of that ancient song enthused about how good it is when people live together in unity,and compares it poetically to the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion. In that spirit it is hoped these scribblings will be more refreshing mountain dew, than obscurantist valley fog, where a weary Pilgrim might be refreshed and replenished for the journey ahead.
Gerard,
ReplyDeleteI love Moya. she is by far my favorite artist. Her strong Christian faith comes through in every interview she gives.
This must have been a real treat. All the more reason to visit Ireland.