Excalibur, legend of legends
Excalibur is, today, the legend of legends, the greatest of myths. From the Middle Ages onwards the story has known many authors. Monks, poets and storytellers have all glorified the epic adventures of King Arthur and his knights; each author adding a piece here and a chapter there thus creating a great canvas, a huge labyrinth strewn with heroic tales and marvellous quests. In the 12th century certain kings, like Henry II, didn't think twice about proclaiming themselves as Arthur's direct descendants and later the renaissance painters depicted the Arthurian era with fervour. New adventures for Merlin, Morgan, Perceval and Lancelot! In the 20th century the legend once again became extremely popular thanks to writers and filmmakers. In 1980 the Irish film director John Boorman made an excellent version of "Excalibur" which became one of the most successful films of all time and Marion Bradley Zimmer's Arthurian books were truly international bestsellers.
It is my immense pleasure and great honour, today, to introduce a new episode to this musical trilogy, bringing together many talented musicians from all over the Celtic world. A symphonic orchestra, British pop-rock groups, folk music stars and traditional instrumentalists have all answered enthusiastically to the call of the legend.
Excalibur is a truly universal source where our dreams are eternal...
A greiz Kalon,
Alan Simon
