Visions and Ecstasies, out October 24th, 2025 on Odradek Records

Soprano Francesca Federico Ó Murchú’s debut album Visions and Ecstasies: Classical & Folk Songs of Ireland is an exploration of Irish music and poetry. Visions and Ecstasies highlights Irish music-making from its roots as an aurally-transmitted art form, honoring the melodic and linguistic complexities that illustrate both the beauty and the brutality of the country’s collective experience through centuries.

The album combines art songs by Joan Trimble, Roger Quilter, Peter Warlock, Rebecca Clarke and Andrew Synott, alongside Irish folk songs sung in their original language. The album aims to articulate the linguistic and cultural links between these two seemingly disparate genres, and provide a snapshot of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.

Francesca’s study of this repertoire began when she was selected as a Fulbright scholar to Ireland, and completed an arts residency at the Irish World Academy in Limerick under the mentorship of Irish folk legend Iarla Ó Lionáird, who first suggested that she record an album of this unique repertoire.

After continued research and development, Francesca expanded her initial study into a compendium of works that exemplify the complex nature of Irish music and musicality. The album’s tracks include works that highlight the didactic tension between Ireland as a colonized nation, as well as Ireland as a fount of linguistic and melodic creativity, exploring themes such as mysticism, grief, romance and tradition.

Credits

Francesca Federico ÓMurchú, Soprano
Dan Franklin Smith, Piano
Clarice Jensen, Cello
Laura Lutzke, Violin
Ben Russell, Violin

Recorded at Virtue and Vice Recording Studios, Brooklyn NY
Sound Engineering & Mixing: Anthony Gallo
Mastering: Rob Murray
Producer: Brian Bowers
Album Visuals: Jordan Tiberio