Celtic Woman Reviews

• Such beautiful voices

  
  By AXFI7TAWD6H6X on 2005-03-19
  I recently caught a viewing of Celtic Woman on my local PBS station. I must say that this performance really took my breathe away. The music was a good mix of celtic and classical/pop. I thought the four singers were quite good. I could not help but take notice of the clarity in their vocal performances. I love classical-crossover artists like Sarah Brightman and Josh Groban but those artists don't restrain their vocals a lot of the time. The women in Celtic Woman shows that you don't need to enunciate every single note to show that she can sing or to emphasize the emotion in the song. Don't get me wrong, I like Sarah and Josh but I often find their voices overwhelming at times. In the case of Celtic Woman, they have shown that they can sing without restorting to vocal acrobatics. The other member of Celtic Woman is a violinist named Máiréad Nesbitt who I found very engaging to watch. Her enthusiasm for performing really showed. The songs in this performance were fantastic. I was completely blown away when I listened to 15 year old Chloe sing "Walking in the Air", a song that my favorite heavy metal band Nightwish has performed on their "Oceanborn" cd. It was quite a contrast from what I was used to hearing. My favorite song that Chloe sang has to be the beautiful ballad "Someday". I was simply moved by the song. My other personal favorite performance was for the song "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring", my favorite song by Sebastian Bach. I couldn't help but notice that the group did quite a few songs by Enya which were really excellent. I couldn't help but notice how similiar their voices were to Enya's. On a couple of occasions I closed my eyes, I thought I was listening to Enya herself. The one thing about this performance that I found rather unintentionally funny is the audience members. A few of them looked about as 'enthusiastic' to be there as I am at the dentist office. My most deeply personal favorite moment of the performance was the women's interpretation of "You Raise Me Up". Their version by far is the best I have heard. I was speechless when I heard them sing this lovely song. Otherwise this was a really great performance. Too bad when I saw it on tv, I had to put up with the annoying interrruptions because it is pledge season at PBS. After seeing this wonderful performance, I so want to see them live in concert when they come to my neck of the woods in October this year. They just made a new fan out of me.
  
  

• Yanni-like performance

  
  By AO9UNKQG83BUP on 2005-08-24
  Everyone's musical taste is different, so writing a review that says I loved it or hated it doesn't really help others who are contemplating buying it. So here I will try to describe what it is like so you can decide for yourself:
  
  The cast of 5 ladies is presented with modern staging: evening dresses, modern straight hair-styles (unlike the traditional costumes and curly hair of Riverdance; you can see 4 of them in the blueish background of the cover art). The stage projects out into the audience. Part of the show is just watching these ladies. Except for the thrashing of the violin player, there is not much movement and no dancing. They all sing with beautiful clear toned voices.
  
  This performance reminded me a lot of Yanni, in terms of the orchestration and presentation. It was not deep emotional music like Enya, or evocative like RiverDance. It contains modern and traditional Celtic songs, arranged for wide popular appeal. If other Celtic music you have heard seems too straightforward and wistful and deep, you may like this presentation. If you find that Yanni has too much surface glitz and is meaningless and hollow, you may not like this.
  
  I was intrigued by the number of reviews here that comment on the obvious lip syncing. This could be why it seemed empty and souless to me. I really like this kind of music, and thus was puzzled why the performance didn't grab me. That said, there are obviously many people who have enjoyed this performance.
  
  Also, one of the great ways of watching music on tv today is to turn on the closed captions and get the lyrics while you're listening/watching. The PBS broadcast had them; shame on them for leaving them off the DVD, as has been mentioned by other reviewers. The Celtic lyrics were very interesting, especially with the audience singing along.
  
  

• Audio dubbed on Celtic Woman DVD

  
  By A1JX3EUX9PE0WG on 2005-12-04
  As per the reply from someone from the Celtic Woman production team, to whom I had written to inquire about the lip-synching issue, the audio heard on the DVD is not necessarily the same that corresponds to the images, meaning that it is dubbed and edited over the video. In addition, the images on the DVD are from different shows, and they are all edited together to make it seem as if they were all from the same concert. Here is a copy of the reply they sent me:
  
  "Putting together DVDs and albums are very complicated and take many months of work. The DVD is shot over a number of performances, and sometimes the audio may come from a different performance and therefore may not exactly match despite the best technical efforts."
  
  So what this means in plain terms, and I explain it for those who are so emotionally overwhelmed by the concert that they can't see straight, is that the DVD editing team took the sound recording of one concert, and put it over the images of another concert, and combined it so that the sound you are hearing as the singers perform on the DVD is not the actual sound that corresponds to the video. Also, as the email indicates, as you watch the concert progress from one song to the next, you could be seeing different concerts altogether that could've taken place weeks or months apart. All this amounts to a reprehensible misrepresentation by the producers of the DVD, in that it misleads the viewers into thinking they are watching and hearing the actual concert as it happened, rather than a dubbed-over production. No wonder there are so many discrepancies between the voices and the images, as the artists 'sing'. It is unfortunate this is so. The music is beautiful, and there certainly is talent there, this is why I am disappointed (In contrast, I could care less about Ashlee Simpson lip-synching on SNL; low talent=low expectations).
  
  I think the producers of Celtic Woman should have just recorded a single concert, with or without flaws, and presented it as is, keeping the post-production editing to a minimum. This is what makes a live concert special; it doesn't have to be perfect, and anyone with half a brain will understand that. If we want a perfect recording that's what the studio album is for. So the bottom line is, if you're going to buy this DVD you should be aware that this is not a true live concert, in that the music you are hearing does not come from the same concert you are watching.
  
  

• Absolutely enchanting

  
  By A2D8FVHRNEEKCU on 2006-12-05
  This type of music, this type of performance, is not usually my cup of tea, and I only chanced upon it while channel-surfing through a spate of commericals during a college football game. All I can say is thank God for remote controls. I was smitten in minutes and have watched the repeat of this performance four times in the last four days. Yes, I am newly in love, crushed as goofily, giddily and gratefully as I was back in my schoolboy days, but I profer this with no sexist agenda at all: First, these ladies are sinfully gorgeous --each looks like she may just have stepped off the pages of a fairy tale (most appropriate, given the backlit castle set looming up behind them); Secondly, they move with the willowy grace of the wind through an Irish meadow. Third, and most importantly, collectively and individually, they sound precisely like what I expect (what I hope)to hear when the Pearly Gates swing open for me, a sound majestic, angelic, soaring and soothing. Some things are achingly beautiful: "Danny Boy" (moved me to tears), "Somewhere," "Beyond the Sea", but I found everything to be enthralling and enchanting, hypnotic and mesmerizing, delivered with seamless grace and charm, touching elegance and class.
  
  I've read some negative reviews here. I find that somewhat discouraging. In a world in which "femininity," so-called Girl Power, is cynically and crudely represented by the rephrehensible likes of The Pussycat Dolls, Brittney (sp?) Spears, Madonna, Gwen Stefani (sp?), and those of similarly sleazy ilk, these women, their voices, their performance, is like a lilting breath of proverbial fresh air. I don't know how hard-hearted or headed one has to be the regard this aural and visual splendor with anything other than an adoring eye, but I'm glad I'm not there yet. One of the best, nicest things I've seen anywhere in ages. Bravo. Bravo! BRAVO!!
  
  

• Angelic Voices

  
  By A1L3WSJ10SY3QR on 2005-03-13
  This was worth every penny. Méav and Lisa's vocals stand out the most to me. 15 Year old Chloe has a great clarity to her voice, but her voice can seem thin at times. Great traditional Irish music, and modern music. Máiréad Nesbitt soars on fiddle just as she did in Maichael Flately's "Lord Of The Dance" and "Feet of Flames". I totally recommend you see the DVD and then get the CD for the music. If you are a fan of angelic voices and celtic music then you will not be disappointed.
  
  
• Lovely
  By A114TP8SCT3BGP on 2005-05-28
  My aunt sent me a copy of this DVD as a congrats for getting out of school. I was a bit wary of it, at first, I thought "it's going to be something corny, isn't it." But it wasn't. Since my father's side of the family is richly saturated in everything Ireland (he's 100% Irish) I was awfully moved by all of the traditional songs they did, specifically the ones in Gaelic. The fiddle pieces were fantastic, since I play violin/fiddle I got extreamly excited to see a fiddler showcased.
  This DVD is worth the buy, whether it's for you or for a family member who enjoys all things Celtic, the show is energizing and it's really nice to actually see the people singing, instead of just hearing it.
  
  
• Beautiful visuals, indifferent sound
  By A15G91RTIQBAEE on 2005-04-14
  The visual effect of this DVD is strikingly beautiful. Unfortunately, the sound seems shallow and in some cases has some static on the high notes. The CD version has wonderful sound, though. I recommend that interested parties buy both the DVD and the CD.
  
  
• Angelic... Stirring... Absolutely Phenomenal!
  By A360T5CSZ63PA3 on 2005-04-11
  This DVD arrived a couple nights ago, and it was so amazing that it moved me to write the following email to the performers.
  
  By the way -- no need to hesitate... you'll love this show!
  
  ==================================
  
  To my Celtic friends,
  
  I'm simply at a loss as to how to start this message...
  
  I want to thank you all so very, very much for your angelic, inspiring work in "Celtic Woman." I wish there were some way to box-up the immense joy and gratitude that is pouring from my heart, and deliver it to each one of you.
  
  Together you brought something so Good and True and Right and Pure into this world... something so phenomenally uplifting, that its value could never possibly be measured because its value will remain hidden in how deeply it cleanses and restores the hearts of those it touches. But do know that something timeless, something of the Eternal was conveyed through your work that evening.
  
  What is absolutely remarkable to me is how, while watching the program, one feels extraordinarily proud and honored just to be a human being, simply for what your performance shows is possible from us. It's almost too much to fathom. And what's even more remarkable is how this stirring sense of honor and appreciation is fulfilling in and of itself. How it feels absolutely no need to be anything more than it is. Somehow it realizes and is grateful for the good fortune it has just to be taking part in this tremendous beauty, just to be receiving it, just to be drinking it in. Somehow it stirs within this heart a Love that has no end, no aim, but that is whole and complete in itself, and that holds the entire depth of life within it.
  
  Thank you Lisa, David, Meav, Orla, Chloe, and Mairead for the reminder of what is truly Good, Noble, and Innocent in this life.
  
  With my deepest gratitude,
  
  Tim
  
  
• It Blew me away!
  By A3JSNHMCRHQ4CK on 2005-06-19
  The first singer on the DVD is Chole, a 15 year old with a voice that should be illegal for someone her age. What an amazing voice. Next up is Meav with a rendition of "Danny Boy" that is one of the best arrangements and performance of this classic song I have ever heard. Then we get treated to the instrumentalist of this group, Mairead. She dances around a lot (I would guess that comes from her being the lead solo violinist for "Lord of the Dance"), but she can play the fiddle. Then we are introduced to Orla, another angelic voice singing a traditional Celtic song. Then the four join up together for a beautiful arrangement and rendition of "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring". After I heard it for the first time I said this song is worth the price of the DVD by itself. Next up is the fourth vocalist of the group, Lisa, singing "May It Be" from "Lord of the Rings". I could not believe it. After hearing three fantastic singers, Lisa blew me away. I felt her voice was the best of all. Then Orla comes back and sings a haunting traditional Celtic song and accompanies herself on the harp! And it goes on like this. Track after track of amazing music from these talented women. There is not a bad track on this DVD. You do not have to be a Celtic music fanatic to enjoy this DVD. There is a good mix of different styles of music.
  
  The DVD is well done in my opinon, although I'm sure there are some who will find flaws in it. It does not employ the 3 second edits that I have seen in other DVDs of live concerts that drive me nuts. Instead the camera spends most of time on the performers with quick shots to the orchestra or instrumentalists usually during instrumental breaks in the singing. You get to enjoy seeing the beautiful women that these beautiful voices belong to. There is not a lot of extras, biographies and short interviews with the performers. The interviews do give depth to the performers, though.
  
  I enjoyed this DVD so much it inspired me to write my first review.
  
  
• Ireland shared the voices of angels with the world.
  By A2LCZ36OBQM2ZF on 2005-05-29
  The women of Celtic Woman are fabulous. Their voices brought me to tears, especially Lisa Kelly. And, David Downes is brilliant.
  
  
• Yes, It Is Lip-Synched
  By A2MAE1YO5FMYT6 on 2005-08-23
  I saw this on PBS. This is so blatantly lip-synched. I guess I don't get the appeal of this. It is like a really elaborate cover-band. So, what I can gather about these "talented" women is:
  
  1. They don't write their own music;
  2. They don't move on stage(except the violin lady but she also was not actually playing live!);
  3. They don't sing.
  
  Wow. Really talented. When people accept things like this, go to the concerts, buy the CD's and DVD's, it just sends a message to the industry that a farce like this is O.K. and they will do it again and again, create these mock performances. It just brings everything down a notch every time something like this is successful. People need to be more critical of their entertainment. Remember when lip-synched concerts were first exposed? People were up in arms, demanding their money back, there was even talk of new laws so there would be full disclosure if a concert was using lip-synching! Slowly though, it's become accepted and no one utters a peep.
  
  Disgusting.
  
  
  
• Fabulous vocals with amazing blending!!
  By A1MWK9CLLJCRJV on 2005-06-23
  Prior to watching this DVD I read several personal reviews here on Amazon which criticized the performers, cuts, and audio quality. All I can say after watching this is that those who criticized the sound quality must own substandard DVD players or audio equipment because the sound quality and balance between the lead vocals, background vocals, and instrumentals was perfect in my studio.
  
  I do agree that some of the the vocalists could have been more animated; however, their physical beauty and vocal talents more than made up for any shortcomings. This DVD -- and the corresponding CD recording -- will hold a high position in my Celtic music collection. Several of the music tracks have an airy quality -- in the style of Enya and other traditional Celtic vocalists -- so this may not be everyone's cup of tea. But for those who appreciate beautiful soprano voices with amazing instrumental arrangements, this is the DVD to buy!!
  
  BTW: The voice of Chloe combined with the musical talent of David Agnew on the Oboe made for an absolutely stunning rendition of Nella Fantasia.
  
  BUY THIS DVD.
  
  
  
• "Is it live or is it memorex?"
  By A2YLZF5BZLW8MJ on 2005-08-22
  I just watched some of this concert on PBS. As I watched the women sing I thought something wasn't right. That's when I realized they are lip-synching! Why pay for a dvd to watch woman mouth along to the cd? Might as well just get the cd. Then you won't have to watch the casual way they fake-sing high notes without a strain on there faces or a quiver on their throats.
  
  
• Very Talented Women
  By A39CYQVU20TZ1E on 2006-04-15
  I have been reading many of the reviews in here about Celtic Woman. I personally think they are all very talented women, and the concert is nothing short of sensational.
  We are living in a world of recordings that are cleaned up all the time.
  They take instruments and voices and electronically make them hit notes and make sounds that they cannot do live.
  Many live concets are overdubbed and even have things added later in the studio.
  I really belive if I were to go see Celtic Woman live in concert, I would see pretty much what this DVD shows.
  I would hear 4 outstanding lady vocalists and a great violinist.
  I have listened to this CD and DVD several times in the last week and now find myself buying the solo albums as well.
  Anyway you slice the pie, these are very talented women.
  I know there are flaws in the DVD, but the voices are nothing short of heavenly.
  Lisa in my mind is probably the best of the singers. Meav is one of the finest soprano voices in the world. Chloe is also very talented, especially for such a young woman.
  Orla is the most authentic of the 4 vocalists.
  Mairead is among the finest violinists in the wold. I would go just to see her in concert alone. I bought the CD and listened to it and curiousity killed the cat and I simply had to see them live. I bought this DVD and have been watching it a few times a week ever since.
  So when you read these reviews about the flaws, ignore them and get ready for a concert that will haunt you.
  In a day of rap and other types of music that dont resonate, its wonderful to hear 5 ladies with so much talent...ENJOY
  
  
• Lip-Synching Galore
  By A2CDHLPYW5RHWU on 2005-08-18
  After watching this DVD several times, I am disgusted at how pre-recorded this concert really was. These women don't even sing on this DVD, they lip synch more than any other artist that I've seen. Even Britney Spears attempts at least ONE live song, as horrible as it may sound.
  
  These women take the marketable Celtic concept and deliver a DVD that rips off customers. Yes, the music is beautiful and ethereal; no dispute there. But if you're going to put on a concert, sing the songs live to your audience. I hope these women can really sing in the first place and were just suffering from acid reflux.
  
  I give this DVD one star because of the money I paid for being ripped off with lip-synched vocals and pre-recorded performances. These "Celtic" women should be ashamed of themselves. Absolutely ridiculous. I saw something similar to this on Saturday Night Live a few months ago with Ashley Simpson.
  
  
• Mediocrity sells
  By A1AKVN53NQHINM on 2005-12-11
  In addition to what others have said about the lip-sync'ed, faked performances totally devoid of soul, the fiddler was not exactly "there" either. You can tell when the cameras zoom into where the bow is sliding in the wrong directions along the strings. If the microphone had been turned on, it would have picked up nothing but screeches. It seemed that her role there was to provide flashy displays of flailing hair.
  
  I like Enya's music and performance. I might have liked "Celtic Woman" a little better had I not seen this "concert", but just heard it. But then, what I would hear are diluted versions of the real thing.
  
  
• In A Word...BORING!!!
  By AEOBOF2ONQJWV on 2005-11-01
  First I'd like to say that these womyn have lovely voices. That being said however, I have to say that this is one of the most boring, vapid, souless performances I have ever seen!
  
  It was almost like Celtic Muzak! And they even had the nerve to take one of the Divine Sarah's songs, Nella Fantasia, which she convinced the composer to allow her to turn into a song, and take all the passion and pathos that Sarah's voice brings to it and turn it into a real yawner!
  
  It was kind of like watching a group of lovely robots with perfect voices sing.
  
  The only song I even came close to liking is You Raise Me Up, which seems to be the only song that is sung with any feeling!
  
  
• Super-slick presentation lovely on many levels
  By ARLKYF9JL3QKB on 2006-06-15
  Technically, this isn't virtuoso musicianship but the talent-level is extremely high. It's a pleasant, sweet, memorable plethora of charming, evocative, and sentimental songs in artful harmonic arrangements presented by a team of talented and extremely attractive female vocalists in beautiful gowns on a cool stage in a fascinating light show.
  
  If there were any drawback it might be the somewhat static nature of the presentation. It reinforces the ethereal nature of the uniformly angelic-sounding harmonies but is visually stiff at times.
  
  Yes, the tracks are layered, the video heavily edited, and there's some post-production vocal tinkering. But that's standard for any concert video. You can say the same things about any movie or TV show you watch. Almost any dialogue that takes place outdoors on your favorite cop show, for instance, has been re-recorded in the studio by the actors so that you can hear it more clearly. Does that make it "fake"?
  
  This program is perfect to chill out to and - certainly - look at. That's what they were shooting for. They hit it.
  
  
• Whats so great about watching LIP SYNC
  By AW70V7K6Y06JY on 2006-12-03
  Horrible to see so much lip sync. I have read some other posts on here where people claim its not lip-sync, but sound editing, using vocals from other performances edited with different images for the DVD. If that's the case, why not use the same video that accompanies the vocals? Every single performance is hollow. The woman who comes out and does a solo violin, i dont kow how she can do that performance and feel good about herself. Her whole violin solo was pre-recorded. watch, you dont even have to watch closely, and you will see many times her violin bow is not even touching the strings and the solo is playing. Saying that, the music is beautiful. I don't need to watch it acted out though.
  
  
• Beauty vs. Beast
  By A35FTX8L6DBSQR on 2005-03-15
  The leads' voices are indeed angelic and incomparable, solo and united. The music selection is also quite worthy of this title. But the general audio mix leaves a lot to be desired. At best, it is unwieldy, with the orchestra and back-up choir frequently overpowering and smothering the lead(s). Visually, the mix is similar. The cameras seem to spend much more time on the support element (orch and choir) than the leads, with harsh fades between the two. The strength and high quality of the lead voices is what brings this production out of the basement.
  
  
• Better without the visuals
  By A8MDAR0KTLHS9 on 2005-06-04
  I saw this on PBS and was unfortunately struck by the "theatrical" performances of the women. Particularly annoying was the blond fiddler, who seemed to strut, overact with her body, and look directly into the camera saying "Yes, I'm beautiful, and I know you want me, so by this DVD". Cloying is the word I'd use.
  
  Some of the other performers seemed slightly smug, or overly coached on how to emote their songs. Probably the best of the lot was the blond singer who sang "She moved through the Fair".
  
  I just listened to the cd online, and, had I only heard it, without the "performances", I'd likely have bought it.
  
  But now, I don't care to join the rush to the new celtic Spice Girls ensemble. The performance I saw felt totally contrived, packaged, and marketed.
  
  
• No lip-synching, just visual editing.
  By A2ZB0500XU1222 on 2005-10-06
  It is important to understand that the audio heard on this DVD was recorded live. In order for the producers to deliver a video track which meets the same high standards of the audio track, they must use video taken from several performances. The video is then edited together with the best available live audio recording of the song. Please don't accuse the performers of lip-synching. This just isn't the case. Due to editing, every quiver of their throats may not match the audio track perfectly, but there was absolutely no lip-synching in this production. Instead what you see are the results of a producer trying to deliver the best DVD possible.
  
  
• Angelic, Heavenly, Breathtaking!
  By AV3MFMFSMF9IJ on 2005-11-06
  The beauty of this music and the angelic voices never fail to bring a surge of emotion that wells up inside of me, almost to the point of tears. This is as pure as music can be, as perfect as human voices can be, embodied by these four heavenly artists. My words only hint at how this music has affected me. Breathtaking!
  
  
• More yeas than nays - Yea!
  By A2RR6ZO0XHS3CZ on 2005-12-11
  I watched this on PBS three times. I ordered it from Amazon immediately. If it was patched, so what. The final take is captivating! Everyone in my family gets it for Christmas.
  I did tell the family to be sure to watch with a good sound and video system. I have excellent sound and graphics systems with my pc.
  And watching in full screen letterbox really increases the enjoyment. The quality of sound and color graphics with better equipment is astounding.
  I do aggree that subtitles of the lyrics would be nice (or maybe publish the lyrics with the DVD). I agree that the flashing spots were distracting and more close ups of the musicians and chorus would improve the presentations.
  However, those of you who were distracted by the lighting, synching, etc., just listen.... Don't watch. Just to listen is enchanting.
  
  
  
• A wonderful experience
  By A1QXOO28A7KGQU on 2006-07-18
  I think too many of the reviewers are trying to pick apart and find flaws for whatever reason. My opinion is simply this - if you want to hear amazing music with a contemporary spin on cultural song, done by extremely talented performers, in a way that will entertain you and that you can truly enjoy - you will like Celtic Woman. There are a few simple facts about Celtic Woman:
  
  1. They have been at the top of the Billboard World Music charts for 68 consecutive weeks. No other performer ever has. There is a reason.
  2. The violinist is one of the top performers IN THE WORLD. She is a national and international music champion. She has worked with many top musicians from around the world. She has more energy and skill than most performers in any medium.
  3. The vocalists are extremely talented and their performances (especially live) are spellbinding.
  4. Many people put it up against Riverdance. The music was produced and arranged by the same man who did Riverdance - and he doesn't dissapoint.
  
  I don't know about the DVD, but I have seen them live and there is no lip-syncing. Just amazing performance after amazing performance. In the span of a 2 1/2 hour concert I went from being an observer to an avid fan. I think you will too.
  
  
• UNBELIEVABLY BEAUTIFUL
  By AMEQ05546U7RR on 2005-03-20
  I have ordered both the DVD and CD. The blending of their voices is a treat to the ears. "Somewhere" just blew me away. The entire show brought joy to my heart, and chills on many of the songs. In today's world of music, it is a blessing that we still have this kind of music. I visited Ireland many years ago, and this brought me "home." If you enjoy beautiful music, take this to heart...do yourself a favor and buy both. The video adds so much...not only beautiful voices but beautiful ladies as well. Enjoy!
  
  
• Now I can see the fiddle player
  By A1NNCPF4HN8VBX on 2005-06-07
  The DVD gets 5 stars cause now I can see the fiddle player! The CD is great to hear the music but the spirit of the live DVD is excellent. The celtic girls do a great job along with the many many people on stage. This is an impressive a production as I've seen since Sara Brightman...since I saw them on the Today show in March I've been looking forward to seeing this. Not disappointed.
  
  Some people here seem to think you either have to be or not be into Celtic music to enjoy this or not...why not just enjoy it for really good songs and music? At least this stuff never gets boring!
  
  
• Vegas on the River Shannon
  By A2HGXDTCRZ04RT on 2005-11-10
  I bought the DVD. Individually, they are very good, perhaps even great. But the concert didn't work. Visually it was awful. Too flashy. Think of Danny Boy. A song invoking fraternal love between rural lads and fear of parting by violent death, sung by women in glitzy dresses on a Vegas-style stage? Come on! When they sing, they don't seem to know what to do with themselves so they kind of wobble around. The cameraman-ship was 2nd rate. Audience pan shots reveal a lot of folks sitting on their hands. Closeups get too close. The blond fiddler played great but the very regular swooshing of her long hair seemed too affected, especially when playing slow pieces. Ugh.
  
  
• A pleasure to watch
  By A1Y0H3NV4ZUOH on 2006-04-26
  I first saw these women on PBS. When I heard their excellent voices , I had to purchase their dvd Celtic Women.I read other reviews about lip syncing, which I could not detect. All I can say is if you want to enjoy a wonderful concert, buy this dvd.You will thank yourself over and over.Sit back and enjoy.
  
  
• Absolutely No Doubt - Lip Sync
  By A1D9D8BJ4RLWWU on 2006-12-11
  My Mother was talking this show up so big, she made me come over and watch it. I didn't have the heart to tell it was a total sham. She went on and on about how great their voices were. Well, no doubt. It was blaringly obvious to me from the first few seconds.
  
  Though I've never been a professional musician/singer, I've performed in an amateur capacity for decades. I can almost always spot lip sync-ers. I'm always shocked that others can't tell. Here, the Celtic folks aren't even very good at it either. I didn't catch the violin piece that was mentioned here on a different review, but it wouldn't shock me to learn that was faked, too. I begged off and played with my nephew after a token viewing.
  
  I certainly think this sort of stuff is fine for people like my Mother. She's always been easily entertained (and easily fooled). No way I'd enjoy this sort of entertainment. There's far too many gifted LIVE performers out there.
  
  EXAMPLE: I remember seeing Anne Murray a few years back (Clearwater, FL) Her voice wasn't quite what it used to be, but that did not stop her from singing live in front of thousands. I respected her all the more for the effort and the courage, and I enjoyed her show very much. I didn't hear a single complaint after the show (in the lounge or outside).
  
  

• Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, Ireland
• Celtic Woman
• A Christmas Celebration
• A Christmas Celebration
• A New Journey