Caitríona O'Leary & Dúlra

Ecstasy (Heresy 002 / Naxos)

The recommendation on the back-cover states: “File under Traditional /World Music”. This target-group-definition for the pop market might obstruct the path to a larger audience for Dulra (fiddle, cello, flute, percussion and other acoustic instruments), because with her Gaelic songs from the 16th to 18th century, the Irish singer Caitriona O’Leary is able to please fans of classical “Lieder”, too. Her natural voice comes without frills and sounds at all times effortless. As well, there is never a danger that the archival material on the album is performed in an academic way.

Although this repertoire calls for it, the ensemble is not tempted to pander to the esoteric scene. Instead fans of Celtic Folk-Rock will get their money’s worth - when the urge for dancing and celebration rises up - in the rousing instrumental pieces performed by this band of soloists.

In addition to the performances, the production team has made a perfect choice by recording in a church, which leads to an ideal balance between translucent delicateness and lush substantial sound impression. Therefore, the recommendation “File under Audiophile” should be added to the back cover.

Winifried Dulisch, HiFi & Records (July 2012)
Das Magazin fur hochwertige Musikwiedergabe


It was in [Caitriona O'Leary's] performance of Carolan’s lamentation for his dear friend MacCabe that O’Leary revealed a mastery of Irish singing, achieving Andrew Lawrence King’s ambition for the ensemble of taking the audience ‘on a journey- not just to a place, but also to a time.’

Jennifer Gall, The Canberra Times (May 2010)

… sung with haunting grace by Caitriona O’Leary.
Steve Moffat, The North Shore Times (May 2010)


O’Leary sang two Gaelic love songs with a pure light soprano… Carolan’s Lamentation for Charles MacCabe proved a rich field of sensitivity and vocal flicks.

Clive O’Connell, The Age (May 2010)


Singer Caitriona O’Leary has a voice free of modern operatic vibrato and projection… [she] created intense and pure sweet notes in Carolan’s Lamentation for his friend MacCabe.

Peter McCallum, Sydney Morning Herald (May 2010)


Caitriona O'Leary sang beautifully with lovely folk-like, Gaelic nuances...

Gillian Wills, The Australian (May 2010)

“seamless, ethereal sean nos voice” The Irish Echo“It is singing a cappella that Caitriona O’Leary is at her most moving and where she best presents a very rare and very lovely repertoire.”
Le Monde de la Musique


“[O’Leary’s] caressing tones…fit seamlessly into a consistent fabric of sound and expression”
The Wall Street Journal


“The gentle tones of Caitriona O’Leary were lovely”
The Boston Globe


“Do not hesitate for a second! Caitriona O’Leary has one of those incredibly crystalline voices that roots you to the spot”
La Vie


“downright angelic”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch


“Her singing style, clear articulation, and beautiful soprano voice – with or without accompaniment – are brought to great effect in these and all the songs in Dúil”
Irish Music Magazine


“I relished the flavors of the individual voices and characters…the focused calm of Caitriona O’Leary”
Boston Bay Windows


“Spreading a poignant pall over the proceedings, O’Leary’s lamenting voice rose and fell flawlessly, entrancing the audience with heart-wrenching songs.”
The Irish Echo


“Vocal grace, majestic formal fluidity, from traditional Irish ballads to early music: a disc (Duil, Irish Songs of Love and Nature), which unites tradition and sensuality”
Geo


“Here is a disc (Duil, Irish Songs of Love and Nature) that revels in the joy of singing and of making music and the joy of being alive”
La Marseillaise


“Wonderful interpretation by Caitriona O’Leary and her band”
Femme Actuelle


“The clear voice, like a flowing river, and gracious silhouette, of Caitriona O’Leary has also accompanied the ensemble Sequentia and the Harp Consort”
Valeurs Actuelles


“[O’Leary] creates an elegiac atmosphere with her clear voice and authentic Gaelic pronunciation”
The Plain Dealer
- various publications