The Moonlovers
The ancient tale The Moonlovers is a story of two lovers forced to flee their feuding tribes to eb together. Various versions of this familiar tale are to be found in many cultures. In this venerable version, there is a happy ending. The lovers plan to run away together at the least expected time - new moon. There is little light in the night sky but that will make it eaqually difficult for persuers to find them.

1. Spirits of the Moon (Conway)
Before they set off theyappeal to the trancendental truth of eternal love whose glorious symbol they see as the moon. The hypnotic quality of this music, particularly in the multi-layered voices reflects the spiritual state thelovers enter as they seek "kapla", the noble fulfulment of true desires.

France Ellul - Celtic harp, voice
Chris Conway - keyboards, percussion, voice
Georgina Sear - voice

2. Moonrise (Ellul)
The lovers make their escape at new moon. the gentle rhythms of this track reflevct their quiet determination and feelings of faith and hope.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - piano, keyboards, percussion, voices

3. Phases 1 - Waning Moon (Ellul & Conway)
The journey is long and they are tired; it's the waning moon. They take their rest, finding shelter near an alder tree, unaware that they have been guided to the tree of protection. The alder spreads its aura to envelope and cradle them in their sleep.

France Ellul - Celtic harp, voice
Chris Conway - keyboards, theremin, voice

4. Moonchild (Conway)
The young woman dreams of the child to come, the moonchild, who will bond the lovers eternally. She imagines their child dancing in the moonlight. This is a beautiful Celtic waltz, it's courtley lilt suggesting medieval realms.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - piano, low whistles, keyboards

5. Luna Mandala (Ellul)
Refreshed and reinvigorated the lovers travel on, filled with a joyful feeling of anticipation. There is a spring in their step, as the music relates.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - keyboards, tin whistles, acoustic 9 string guitar, percussion

6. Phases 2 - Full Moon (Ellul & Conway)
The full moon watches over them as they sleep. The soundscpae depicts the gentle drift into peaceful slumber. A wonderfully radiant piece - the piano and harp's evocative notes shine like moonbeams int he night.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - piano, keyboards

7. Eleanor Plunkett - Celtic Moon (O'Carolan arr Ellul)
In the dreamworld of the lovers, where they feel the music of the stars, the celestial harper manifests the beauty of their love.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - keyboards

8. Mooncircle Dance (Conway)
A new day dawns and they resume their journey. The spirits are lighter as they sense they are drawing near to their goal. This soulful tune was inspired by Breton folk music ; the theme winds around, a spiral within a circle.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - tin whistle, keyboards, voice, percussion
Georgina Sear - voice

9. Phases 3 - Waxing Moon (Ellul & Conway)
Under the waxing moon, the lovers seem tpo hear whispers from far away, perhaps calling to them, perhaps guiding them...

France Ellul - Celtic harp, whispers
Chris Conway - keyboards, whispers

10. Questers Moon (Ellul & Conway)
Hand in hand, with growing confidence they make their way under the questors moon. The theremin and Celtic harp alternate themes in this hauntingly atmospheric piece. The theremin is the moon above, the harp is the travellers and the quest.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - theremin, keyboards

11. Lovers Moon (Ellul)
The lovers know they are very near to their journey's end. The bright moonlight reminds them that this is a lovers moon which will guide them as a monther guides her children. this evocative waltz should be danced ina gentle and stately manner.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - low whistles, keyboards, temple bells, percussion

12 Phases 2 - New Moon (Ellul & Conway)
At last what they have sought is before their very eyes, no longer mythical but truly magical. Under the new moon, they gaze in delight and wonder at the people who have been waiting for them.

France Ellul - Celtic harp, bamboo chimes
Chris Conway - keyboards, kalimba, wind chimes

13. Gathering for the Moon Goddess (Ellul & Conway)
The lovers join the throng who are still gathering ; the celebration is for the Moon Goddess. All link hands and dance a circle dance of joy. Now they understand - they are home ; their quest has been fulfilled.

France Ellul - Celtic harp
Chris Conway - keyboards, acoustic 9 string guitar, percussion, voice
Georgina Sear - voice