In Dance and Song
Thunder and lightning batter the rocks
The winds howl and great storms break on the forest
Scatter the herds like grain
Fire leaps from dark to dark
Fear and anger leap to meet it
We will not go down
We will not be beaten down
Like grain
Some time back I went to see Riverdance in concert. Besides learning that hearing protection is, in fact, obligatory but does not prevent one’s ribcage from thumping in time with the music, I had a lot of fun. Here follows a review; if you have seen Riverdance before, I apologize for retelling a lot that you already know. If you want the short version, my favorites are: “Countess Cathleen;” “Caoineadh Cú Chulainn;” “Firedance;” “Riverdance;” “Lift the Wings;” and “The Russian Dervish.”
The first act is composed of dances that explore natural forces (the sun, fire, water). I like “Reel Around the Sun” and “Heart’s Cry,” but my first favorite in the show is “Countess Cathleen,” alternately known as “The Women of Ireland” and “Women of the Sidhe.” It’s fun to watch.
I divide Irish music into two general categories, with an extra one for songs that don’t fit either (”Danny Boy,” “Home and the Heartland”). One kind is jolly; words fail the other kind. “Caoineadh Cú Chulainn” belongs to the latter category. It combines chilling, breathtaking beauty and mournful dolor in a way few things can, partly because it is played on uilleann pipes. If Elves were real, I think this is what their music would sound like.
“Thunderstorm” is where I got my opening quote; it’s cool. “Shivna” is just flat weird. For starters, its spelling drives me batty. It’s just one letter away from Shiva, a Hindu god. The Irish spelling is “Suibhne,” which I wish were used more. Also, the dancing is not Irish dancing. It is performed by Russian dancers, whom I like, but in this case I don’t think they’re quite right. Perhaps the fact that the poor guy is possessed by the moon goddess has something to do with my dislike of the dance.
“Firedance” is another of my favorites. I love watching it and I love the music. This dance has a lot of power.
“Slip Into Spring - The Harvest” showcases the orchestra. They’re a neat bunch, but there’s no dancing!
“Riverdance,” composed of both a song and a dance, is the appropriately triumphant finale of Act I. Every time I hear this track without the sound of hardshoes, I feel it is incomplete. However, when you combine the music (which has a lot going on by itself), the thunder of so many hardshoes, and the visual effect of a long line of synchronized dancers, you cannot help being swept away. Unrivaled, “Riverdance” steals the show.
Act II deals with immigration to America. It opens with “American Wake,” a fun piece with the dancers dressed like settlers. (Fortunately, these costumes do not look like Michael Flatley designed them. Unfortunately, many of the costumes in other dances do.) “Lift the Wings” follows, which is a sad song about lovers soon to be parted by an ocean. The journey to America has begun.
The song “Heal Their Hearts” has always been vague to me, but it seems to be more about slavery than anything else. It is unique. (My program misspelled it as “Healthier Hearts!”)
“Trading Taps” is great; it always makes me think of New Orleans. “Macedonian Morning” is still new to me. “The Russian Dervish” or “Marta’s Dance” has always been one of my favorites. The music is catchy, and, “Shivna” notwithstanding, the Russians are amazing dancers. I cannot write a description here that would do justice to their acrobatics.
“Oscail an Doras” is cool. “Andalucia” is also new to me, but like “Firedance” it’s flamenco. I don’t remember seeing “Slow Air/Tunes” and “Home and the Heartland.” I might have just forgotten them. It’s too bad that they, along with “Oscail an Doras,” aren’t on the CD. “Home and the Heartland” always reminds me of the calm after a long rain, when the sky is still overcast, everything is wet, and the air smells so fresh.
The finale of Act II is fuzzy in my memory as well. I know there’s supposed to be a final dance, and then a curtain call that’s also a dance. The final dance completes the cycle by taking us back to Ireland. It’s pretty cool, even though it lacks the power of “Riverdance.”
From early interactions with nature to the return of emigrants’ children, Riverdance chronicles the story of Ireland like no one else. It also has proven its popularity around the world with stunning choreography and beautiful music; the Irish have every right to be proud. If you want to fall in love with Ireland, start with Riverdance.
No life is forever
We found and fought here
We loved and died here
Wave after wave, the sea of time beats against every shore
Whole generations lift now to depart
In dance and song we gift and mourn our children
They carry us over the ocean
In dance and song
