Symphonie Celtique ("Celtic Symphony"), subtitled "Tir na nOg", a folk-rock album by Alan Stivell, originally released as a double LP in 1980 by CBS France, catalogue number CBS 88487. In 1987, it was published by Rounder Records in CD 11523. Digitally remastered and reissued on CD by Disques Dreyfus, catalogue number FDM 36196–2. Composed entirely by Stivell, featuring instrumental arrangements by Stivell assisted by Christopher Hayward and Michel Prezman, and with over 70 musicians contributing, this was a large undertaking. As well as embracing the classic Stivell fare of Breton, Scottish and Irish instrumentation, this early nod at world music includes oriental and African sounds as well as a full orchestra and lavish production values. On the original vinyl release, the "three circle" symphonic construction was emphasised in the track listings to a greater extent than with the subsequent CD reissue. The original double LP was packaged in a gatefold sleeve whose interior featured a still from the Roman Polanski film Tess depicting Stonehenge in the mist.

Reception

Stivell, further back in France, reached a European then global reach. In Italy, class Stivell 52nd best rock musician of all time ("Best Rock Musicians of all times") in the "String / Wind" category. Italian free radio stations broadcast his music, which led him to play in the wake before 11,000 people in Rome and 14,000 in Milan. In Great Britain, Andy Morgan believes that "Stivell's early crative development reached a climax with the staging of his Symphonie Celtique. Is the ultimate expression of everything Stivell felt about his Celtic roots and their place in the wider cultural context."

Track listing

This track listing is as presented on the sleeve of the original LP release; this differs slightly from that of the CD reissue. All music was composed by Alan Stivell.

Personnel

with additional pipe/Bombard and drum bands, full orchestra, a choir directed by Christiane Legrand, and the Berber female vocal group DjurDjura.