Classic CD: Airs & Dances from Dublin Castle

CD cover: Dances From Dublin Castle.

William Dowdall is an Irishman with Kiwi connections, celebrated on CD when his 2010 album, Breathe, showcased solo flute pieces by New Zealand and Irish composers.

The flautist travels back to the 18th century for his latest venture. There was journeying, too, for Wayne Laird of Atoll Records, who set up microphones in Dublin's St Ann's Church to capture the diverting 76 minutes of Airs & Dances from Dublin Castle.

There has been scholarly inspiration here; Dowdall delved into manuscripts at Ireland's National Library to uncover what is described as "gig books" for various balls at Dublin Castle.

While today's dance parties are fuelled by a DJ's computer, back then, the music was live - here it's played by Dowdall and his three colleagues of the Spackling Band. Offerings include a "favourite minuet" by Handel, reminding us that Dublin was first to hear the composer's Messiah.

A definite highlight, thanks to Dowdall's expressive playing on his Abell wooden flute, are some poignant variations on an Irish tune by the Italian Geminiani, who had close associations with the same city.

The Celtic tunefulness of numerous tracks, including the quaintly-titled Mr Fischer's favourite variations on the celebrated Irish air of Gramacree Molly, makes for unmitigated pleasure.

You will enjoy the relaxed team work of Dowdall and David Adams, a harpsichordist who's not afraid to be flashy.

At times, in what may seem like a few too many Minuets, by obscure composers like Matthew Dubourg and Pietro Castrucci, a touch of dare-devil ornamentation by Dowdall would not have gone amiss.

Right at the end of this very entertaining collection are two pieces by the great Turlough O'Carolan, the blind harpist/composer, and friend of Geminiani.

First is the unaccompanied King of the Blind, with Dowdall at his most exquisite. Following this is the livelier O'Rourke's Noble fare will ne'er be Forgot.

Remembering the romp-around-the-hall energy of The Chieftains when they took on a Carolan number, this quartet seems a little tame. Who knows, with a tad more spontaneity and a touch of percussion on the side, this may have made a ceilidh-closer to cherish.

Verdict: An 18th century Irish dance party is brought Downunder by enterprising Kiwi label.