Even though the visual elements are missing,
Bill Whelan's soundtrack to
Riverdance sounds quite spectacular, making a no-holds-barred attempt to captivate the listener with grandiose variations on Celtic musical forms. Adding to the grandeur and magic of the music are performances by artists such as
Davy Spillane,
Maire Breatnach,
Anúna,
Nicola Parov, and others who are forces to reckon with individually. The music transitions between soaring vocal pieces and floor-shaking orchestral numbers that possess astonishing energy. Lead Ceilidh dancer
Michael Flatley left the production under something of a cloud, turning up later with the derivative and far more mediocre Lord of the Dance. On this recording he, female lead
Jean Butler, and the other Ceilidh dancers can be heard providing taps on three tracks, including the thunderous "The Countess Cathleen/Women of the Sidhe." ~ Steven McDonald