Unforgettable moment with Irish melodies

Review by Hanna Sundquist

The Gloaming gave the audience the joy of music on Monday night.

It is impossible to not like the Irish music supergroup. With Larla Ó Lionaird singing, Thomas Bartlett on piano, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh on hardanger fiddle (the national instrument of Norway), Martin Hayes on violin and Dennis Cahill on guitar, the whole band filled the Sydney Opera House with finely executed harmonic tones. The aesthetic performance started with a medley that lasted for nearly 20 minutes. Immediately the audience realized that this was going to be a memorable evening.

Photo: Hanna Sundquist

Most of The Gloaming’s work takes traditional Irish forms, but their performance has a contemporary context. Lionaird’s Gaelic singing fits perfectly together with the flawless sounds of Hayes’ violin, and the whole performance turned out to be an unforgettable moment. While closing my eyes, I imagined the green forest of Ireland, and it was impossible to sit still with my feet. Their catchy rhythms filled my body, and the group really convinced me that Irish folk music is more than only fiddle playing.

It is admirable how these guys manage to create this perfect composition together. We are talking high class musicians who clearly have practiced for countless years. Simultaneously as the group was enjoying their time on stage, it was clear that the audience had their time of their lives. After every piece of music, the applause was generous and the cheering became even louder through the night. Maybe the intake of Irish beer had an impact?

Pianist Bartlett brings a twist to the ensemble, his piano playing is moving the Gloaming’s music in new directions. It is also nice to listen to the musicians talking about how they can feel the energy of the music they are playing. ”It is not enough to just listen to the music. You need to feel it”, says Dennis Cahill on stage. The entertainers have good contact with the enthusiastic audience, and the atmosphere in the hall was nearly magic.

The Gloaming played at The Sydney Opera House on Monday 27 October 2014