Sanctus features seven tracks, including the famous 'Miserere Mei Deus' by Allegri. This sublime piece features stratospheric soprano vocals and runs to just under 13 minutes in length. The album includes four original pieces by Michael McGlynn, including his 'Agnus Dei'. Four of the tracks have been previously released, however over two thirds of the album features newly recorded material.

Listen to Mariam Matrem Virginem in RealAudio.

Talented mixed-voice Irish vocal group Anuna focuses on a haunting blend of ancient Celtic music and contemporary Irish songs. Heavily featured is the original music of founder Michael McGlynn. 15 songs (the complete lyrics are in the lovely liner notes), 'Igitur Servus,' 'Alleluia,' 'When the War Is Over,' 'I Dreamt that I Dwelt in Marble Halls, ' the title tune, 'Victimae,' 'Pie Jesu' and 'Ocean' are particularly wonderful. 'Cynara' is another winning collection from Ireland's finest.

Recorded twice, once in 1995 and again in 1996 for international release, Omnis is the best of these two recordings, and contains 3 bonus tracks, one of which ('A Stor mo Chroi') has never been released before. Anuna founder Michael McGlynn calls Omnis a defining CD of some of the group's most memorable moments, from the energetic 'Dulaman,' now a choral standard throughout the world, to the mystical and exotic 'O Viridissima.' All three of the lovely 'Tenebrae' responsories are now included on one recording. 20 songs, remastered and re-edited, a 'best-of' which includes 'The Flower of Maherally,' 'Maria Matrem,' 'Ave Generosa,' 'Roisin Dubh' and 'The Mermaid.' This is spirited, haunting, memorable music from Ireland's finest mixed chorus. The full color liner notes has some beautiful pictures of the group and all the lyrics.

Since their first, self-titled debut CD in 1993, Irish mixed-voice choral ensemble Anuna has created an additional four excellent CDs in their quest to explore their Celtic heritage and develop and discover their own sound. Their connection with Riverdance, which began with the recording of their hit 'Cloudsong,' exposed millions to the group's music. 'Essential' is right there with the group's program, haunting, surreal soundscapes. There are 19 songs, many of our favorites are pieces written by group founder Michael McGlynn, the moody 'The Wild Song,' 'Wind on Sea,' the soaring 'Kyrie,' 'Blackthorn,' 'Victimae,' the sublime 'Pie Jesu' and 'Hymn to the Virgin,' the dance tune 'The Rising of the Sun' and the fast-moving a cappella 'Dulaman.' Where the piece is Medieval Irish like the powerful 'Cristus Resurgens,' or traditional Irish like 'The Flower of Maherally' and 'Siuil, a Ruin,' McGlynn arranges it, where the words are not his, as in 'Behind the Closed Eye' and 'August,' whose lyrics were written by Francis Ledwidge, McGlynn writes the music. The result is a lovely, seamless collection whose beauty touches us once again on so many levels. We expected no less! Some light accompaniment.

Sublime Dublin composer Michael McGlynn and his talented mixed ensemble Anuna bring us their 6th haunting CD, based on the music of the ancient Celts. 13 songs, beginning with the title tune, written by Bill Frisell and Elvis Costello, McGlynn-arranged Irish and English Medieval masterpieces 'Nobilis Humilis,' 'Dicant Nunc,' 'Ther Is No Ros' and 'Quem Queritis,' originals written by Michael, 'Blackthorn,' 'Kyrie,' 'The Green Laurel,' 'Island,' 'The Fisher King' and 'The Sea,' and traditional songs like 'Sliabh Geal Gcua,' also McGlynn-arranged. The liner notes are gorgeous and stunning photos of the group in Irish landscapes follows the tone and spirit of the music exactly. Another amazing, unforgettable recording by Anuna. 

Vocal group Anœna's first release of new material in six years is a major leap forward from their last few offerings, throwing into high relief the progress that founder and group leader Michael McGlynn has made as a composer. The opening track '0 Ignis Spiritus' brings a text by medieval mystic Hildegarde von Bingen to glorious life, with Ken Edge's saxophone matching the reedy timbre of soloist Miriam Blennerhassett's wonderfully rich voice. The dreamy title track (McGlynn's setting of the Rimbaud poem of that name) is another highlight, with the gravel-voiced Gilles Servat speaking the verses over the ensemble's multi-layered harmonies. Bringing the CD to an electrifying close is the shimmering, densely textured '0 Maria', which deserves to become part of the standard repertoire for choral groups everywhere.

This album is a re-recorded version of the original 1993 album. Its release marked the 15th anniversary of the highly acclaimed group, Anuna. This program features a wide variety of Celtic music from folk songs to newly composed music based on ancient texts, by director Michael McGlynn. It includes five additional tracks, three of which can be heard in the award-winning film 'The Work of Angels.' This recording certainly represents the best of the Celtic tradition.

Mixed-voice Irish folk ensemble Anuna, founded in 1987 by Dublin composer Michael McGlynn to explore the music of the ancient Celts, have recorded a self-titled debut albumÐÐand after recording a short choral piece called Cloudsong used by Riverdance, toured with the dance troupe and recorded the album 'Riverdance the Show.' Most of the 13 cuts on 'Christmas Songs' were arranged by Michael McGlynn, and 'Codhlaim Go Suan,' the lovely 'Christmas Day Is Come,' 'Pie Jesu' and 'Hymn to the Virgin' were written by McGlynn. 'Winter, Fire and Snow' is also a group original. The haunting, surreal harmonies of Anuna lend a surprising flavor to carols like 'Away in a Manger,' 'The Wexford Carol,' 'Riu Riu,' 'Silent Night' and 'The Coventry Carol.' Unique and startlingly beautiful. Some light accompaniment.