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Monday 14th August 2006
Monday 14th August 2006
The Irish Tneors
MUSIC: Mark J. Estren
The luck
of the Irish may be legendary, but there's a lot to say for the skill
of the Irish, as demonstrated by the Irish Tenors' blending of traditional
and modern songs at Wolf Trap on Friday night. It's the first U.S. tour
for this particular trio of Anthony Kearns, Karl Scully and Finbar Wright.
As the new tenor on the block, Scully -- who just joined the group, replacing John McDermott -- had the most to prove, and prove it he did, with a wonderfully light voice and clear enunciation. Kearns and Wright are old hands at this music. Their darker, fuller voices were a good fit with the many melancholy lyrics. The three tenors' tones blended beautifully in songs such as Phil Coulter's remembrance of Derry, "The Town I Loved So Well," as well as "The Irish Rover" and "The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door."
Many sentimental, nostalgic solos dealt with the Irish diaspora, such as Scully's heartfelt "A Song for Ireland." But some standouts had other sources: Wright's tender "The Isle of Innisfree" came from the 1952 film "The Quiet Man." Wright's "South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)" was the most incongruous song in the concert. Why perform it? Because the lyrics are by Ireland's Jimmy Kennedy, who also wrote the words to "Teddy Bears' Picnic" -- which the enthusiastic backup orchestra, under conductor Arnie Roth, played as an instrumental interlude.
The tenors did not sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," but plenty were smiling -- some tearing up -- by the evening's end.
As the new tenor on the block, Scully -- who just joined the group, replacing John McDermott -- had the most to prove, and prove it he did, with a wonderfully light voice and clear enunciation. Kearns and Wright are old hands at this music. Their darker, fuller voices were a good fit with the many melancholy lyrics. The three tenors' tones blended beautifully in songs such as Phil Coulter's remembrance of Derry, "The Town I Loved So Well," as well as "The Irish Rover" and "The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door."
Many sentimental, nostalgic solos dealt with the Irish diaspora, such as Scully's heartfelt "A Song for Ireland." But some standouts had other sources: Wright's tender "The Isle of Innisfree" came from the 1952 film "The Quiet Man." Wright's "South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)" was the most incongruous song in the concert. Why perform it? Because the lyrics are by Ireland's Jimmy Kennedy, who also wrote the words to "Teddy Bears' Picnic" -- which the enthusiastic backup orchestra, under conductor Arnie Roth, played as an instrumental interlude.
The tenors did not sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," but plenty were smiling -- some tearing up -- by the evening's end.
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"The Little Yellow Bus" Tenors Tour Site! © Marie L.Collins 2003. All Rights Reserved.
"The Little Yellow Bus" Tenors Tour Site! © Marie L.Collins 2003. All Rights Reserved.
