Filipova Lenka: Oppidum - CD

On her new album Oppidum, Lenka Filipová brings stories from the Celtic past back to life.

Enchanting melodies, the ever-present touch of mysterious Celtic culture, and a captivating performance are the defining elements of this unique album.

“An oppidum is a name for the Celtic settlements where the Celts lived and from which they set out on their conquests. Or, conversely, they served as their refuge. For me, it’s a little house for songs through which I tell stories from the distant past,” reveals Lenka Filipová, who collaborated on the record with her resident multi-instrumentalist Sean Barry. Together, they developed a repertoire, a few songs from which have graced Filipová's concert programme for several years. Producer David Solař, alongside both musicians, also played a crucial role in creating the almost cinematic atmosphere of the entire recording, which draws from Celtic, Breton, and Scottish folklore.

In addition to the authentic experience that transports you back in time to the age of Celtic warriors and mystical druids, the album Oppidum is also extraordinary for its musical and linguistic diversity. “I sing in four languages – in the old Gaelic language, both Irish and Scottish, as well as in Old Breton and English,” the musician lists, and Sean Barry adds:
“I found most of the tracks on the album in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England. They are beautiful and powerful songs, but unfortunately, they were lost and it’s almost impossible to hear them anywhere. I thought it was a shame and wondered how to breathe life back into them. I arranged them all so that when you close your eyes, the music transports you to the mountains, forests, and seas of those lands. It was beautiful work that I really enjoyed, as was the collaboration with Lenka and David in the studio. We often let the music guide us. Every minute of work was a joy.”

The only Czech-language track, Na cestě (Kathy's Song), is not a traditional song but was penned by Paul Simon. The Czech lyrics were written by David Stypka, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and the reigning holder of the Anděl Award in the Solo Artist of the Year category. The singer approached him specifically for his distinctive poetry, which is unparalleled among domestic writers. The combination of his unique lyrical style and Filipová's interpretive sensitivity has given the legendary song a form whose conviction will send shivers down the listener's spine.

Tracklist

CD
Kathy's Song (Paul Simon, arranged by Lenka Filipová, Sean Barry) / The Star of the County Down (Irish traditional, arranged by Sean Barry) / Oidhche Mhath Leibh (Irish traditional, arranged by Sean Barry) / Green Sleeves (English traditional, arranged by Lenka Filipová, Sean Barry) / Bonny Portmore (Scottish traditional, arranged by Sean Barry) / Carrickfergus (Irish traditional, arranged by Lenka Filipová, Sean Barry) / Tri Martolod (Breton traditional, arranged by Sean Barry) / Scarborough Fair (English traditional, arranged by Sean Barry) / O Mo Duthaich (Scottish traditional, arranged by Sean Barry) / Parting Glass (Irish traditional, arranged by Sean Barry) / Na cestě (Paul Simon, arranged by Lenka Filipová, Sean Barry, Czech lyrics: David Stypka