Penny Fiddle Records

Carina Drury: Irlandiani

~ Andrew Benson-Wilson

Irlandiani
An exploration of musical life in 18th Century Ireland
Penny Fiddle Records. PFR2005CD. 57’33

The musical life of 18th century Dublin is often overlooked in recordings, concerts and in many a musical history. With that in mind, the debut album Irlandiani from the Irish baroque cellist Carina Drury is particularly welcome. Taking its title from the name given to early Italian settlers in Ireland, the recording pictures the musical life of early 18th Century Dublin. It explores the influence of Irish folk music on Italian baroque composers living in Ireland, and the influence of the Italian baroque style on Irish composers. With Irish flute player Eimear McGeown and a combination of historic and traditional instruments, the album explores Irish music from The Neal Collection, the first printed collection of Irish music, together with cello sonatas by Italian composers who lived in Dublin during the 18th century.

Continue reading →

The Twisted Twenty

~ Andrew Benson-Wilson ~ Leave a comment

The Twisted Twenty
Penny Fiddle Records PFR1701CD. 36’02

albumcover.PNG
Enter a caption

The Twisted Twenty is the name of the group, and of this, their first CD. With no catalogue number, and no web presence for the recording company, this has more than a feel of a self-produced affair. There is certainly nothing wrong in that. It is one of the few ways in which young musicians can get their music out there. There is a strong tradition of folk music within the world of classical musicians, notably in Scotland in the 18th century, the focus for much of this short (just 36 minutes) CD.  Continue reading →