Excellent Period Music
Listening to and appreciating the music on this album can be really enhanced by first reading up on O'Carolan (say on Wikipedia). It is remarkable how the music of a blind, itinerant composer has been preserved over the years. The various artists performing on the album have transcribed the music for their own instruments and ensembles to yield very pleasant listening.

I highly recommend this album.

A lovely collection! Soothing renditions of classic Irish tunes
"Celtic Treasure" is an elegant, engaging tribute to the work of someone who was, and still is, a "Celtic Treasure" himself: Turlough O'Carolan, the blind, itinerant harper from Baroque-era Ireland who's considered to be Ireland's first national composer. Narada has brought together a collection instrumental recordings from various artists who share a gentleness of spirit and wistfulness of soul, each presenting a one of O'Carolan's compositions in a fitting, original arrangement. Artists featured include Deanta, Orion, Shelley Phillips, Dordan, William Coulter and John Whelan, and the instruments used are generally Celtic harp, whistle, acoustic guitar, accordion, cello and piano. O'Carolan (whose name, did you know, is more properly spelled "Toirdhealbhach O Cearbhallain"?) left a legacy of some 200 surviving tunes that bridge the gap between folk music and art-songs, enchanting his wealthy patrons as much as listeners today. Earl Hitchner, Celtic music expert, sums up the impact of O'Carolan's legacy in his liner notes: "[O'Carolan was] someone who never set foot outside his homeland, yet produced music of transporting grace and radiance destined to touch every corner of the earth." Couldn't say it any better! For more laid back Celtic music try anything from the Maggie's Music label, and also Narada's "Celtic Treasure II," which is a bit livelier than "Celtic Treasure I." The groups Orion and Deanta (both featured on this album (in tracks #2 and #3 respectively) have excellent solo albums as well.

magnificent Celtic music!!
Though I have listened to quite a bit of Celtic music and really love bagpipes, this introduction to "The Legacy of Turlough O'Carolan" has captivated my entire being. There are melodies which have me up on my feet dancing to the tune of quiet waltzes (Si Bheag, Si Mhor by William Coulter; Captain O'Kane by Seamus McGuire) or either attempting some type of jig! My all time favorite is "Lord Inchiquin" performed by Deiseal. This is a fascinating and fun piece of music that transports me back to the 17th century to join others in a spirited dance at some outdoor festival! Marvelous!! Additionally, the biography supplied giving details of O'Carolan's life is inspiring considering what would seem like an insurmountable physical limitation - blindness! Buy a copy of this CD! Enjoy!!

Wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable
This was my first exposure to O'Carolan's music and it was a superb experience. It is hard to believe he lived in the sixteen hundreds. His music is beautiful and relevant. I would strongly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys lovely folk music. Squire Parsons/James Betagh is my absolute favorite arrangement and I could and do listen to it everyday.

True Celtic Grace
Many of the other Celtic albums that make their way to my CD player have modernized influences and characteristics. This release has been the most true to this wonderfully soothing genre. Everyone should give it a try.