Comments for Minogue, Aine, Circle of the Sun

From the liner notes:

Aine Minogue
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As traditional Irish music and dance continue to enjoyphenomenal popularity both here and in Ireland, Aine Minogueis an artist who captures its very essence. Her musicdemonstrates a profound lyricism and deep clarity thatreflect the richness of Irish music, poetry and art with avoice undeniably her own.

Born in Borrisokane, County Tipperary, Aine`s large musicalfamily introduced her to a number of instruments during herchildhood. They played together as a family and attendedfleadhs (traditional music festivals). At the age of twelvewhile in boarding school in County Galway, Aine discoveredher great love - the harp - and decided to persue in lieuof the others. After she finished school she spent threeyears as a harpist at Bunretty Castle in Shannon, CountyClare - a perfect setting to emphasize the harp`s lyricalconnection to Irish history.

According to Irish history and lore, the Thuuatha-De-Danaanswere responsible for bringing the harp to Ireland. Thesepoets and bards sang hymns of praise to the supreme naturalpower (Aine`s playing resonates with this connection tonature). Their music included three main types of music:goltrai (sad music), geantrai (happy music) and suantrai (sleep music). The harpist and singer encompassed the rolesof historian, poet, musician, and spiritual figure. Theypreserved stories and songs of the past while adding theirown creativity to each, acting as a vessel for musicalvariety. Aine continues this tradition; she takes an ancientform of art, extensively explores its traditions but addsher own experience and creativity to each piece. "I try tokeep my music subtle, to let it flow through me," Aineexplains, "I let my intuition and emotion guide thedirection it should take.

Like many Irish before her, Aine moved to the United Statesand settled in New England. She continues to concentrate onthe traditional music of her homeland, both as a soloist anda collaborator. Aine`s harp has entertained Irish presidentMary Robinson and numerous Prime Ministers of Ireland. Sheis a regular performer at the folk festivals and concertsthroughout the country. Her debut album for RCA Victor is"Between the Worlds". Tracks of her music have also appearedon compilations for the Windham Hill and Celtic Heartbeatlabels. Her music videos have appeared on PBS`s "Out ofIreland" and she provided a solo instrumental harpsoundtrack for Dr. Leo Shea`s "Yeats Country". In additionshe was the harper on the soundtrack "Tommy Makem`s Ireland"and "Ancient Pulsing" for PBS. According to the Los AngelesTimes, "Aine Minogue proves beyond reasonable doubt why theharp is indeed the instrument of angels...", while Billboardproclaims that "she has a fragile lilting voice that wrapsaround the lyrics like a gently windblown satin sheet."