Program Note:   

Based on Ancient Celtic texts, this trio of songs serves as a showcase for a combination of three distinct vocal styles: first, the early music singing style of Ruth Cunningham; second, the contemporary music specialist style of Gilda Lyons; and, third, the folksong specialist style of Elaine Valby’s tranquil mezzo-soprano. Music set to Alexander Macdonald's Scottish Gaelic lyric Bring a Chant introduces each voice with a beckoning, erotically charged insistence. That Night uses the anonymous words of a 17th century Irish poet to create a mood of sensual longing and tender regret set perhaps just before dawn. "I am ready," the song ends, in gentle waves. For The Islands of Earthly Paradise, music to an anonymous 7th century Irish poet creates a contemporary, though ancient-sounding melodic "catch" that alternates with tricky, contemporary harmonic writing. A veiled, distant vocal sound gives way to the unfurling of a sheaf of brilliant rising runs that make for a sunny finish.