Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennitt is not just a talented musician, she's given us quite a generous Christmas gift. In these days of iTunes and your standard 10-song CD with 40 minutes' worth of music, she's brought out a Bakers' Dozen songs for a Christmas feast for both your ears and eyes.

This 54-minute CD is comprised of a lot of the traditionals you'd expect with McKennitt's signature world-infused flair. Part Celtic-part Middle Eastern, these carols don't sound anything like the retreaded redux you hear so often on each year's crop of Christmas CDs. You really never know whether you're going to hear pipes and accordion or sitar on the next tune and the listen is a very pleasant surprise.

If you like traditionals with a different flair, Celtic-Middle Eastern world music, or just plain beautiful orchestration, you're going to enjoy this CD. It's so good, you'll want to dust it off when Christmas music is the last thing on your mind!

Rebecca Kyle, November 2008

I have always disliked Christmas/Holiday music as such, as it always seemed soupy, commercial and pretentious, particularly the overtly Christian variety. I was delighted to find a complete lack of such qualities in this recording.

From a critical standpoint, this is music that is well-chosen for the season even though it is good for other times as well. As well, an air of excellence and attention to detail in all aspects is readily obvious. It is expertly adapted, arranged, and performed by some outstanding musicians.

Excepting her first recording, I have every recording Loreena McKennitt has ever made, and I have never been disappointed; you will not be either.

If you have not yet heard "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Loreena McKennitt then you are MISSING OUT! It will always be one of the best Christmas songs out there. It's pure classic, the only version of the song you'll ever need.

As far as the rest of the album, there's definately some more hits.. and some misses.

"Good King Wenceslas" has a really great renaissance feel, "Snow" has entrancing vocals behind a wintery, snowblown orchestra. "Coventry Carol" sounds like the perfect dramatic song to accompany a church performance of the nativity story.

All of the tracks are pretty good of course (with a voice like Loreena's, it can't go too wrong) but none of the other tracks are stand-out worthy like those four. If you already have one of Loreena's mini-christmas albums I honestly don't think you need this one, but if you don't have a winter CD by Loreena you need to get this NOW!

I adore Lorenna McKennitt. I started listening to her about 12 years ago and there is no one that even comes close to her. I also love Christmas music. I have just under 100 Christmas CDs and this was my instant favorite. Emmanuel is incredibly simple and incredibly beautiful. Thanks Lorenna. PLEASE keep writing and recording!

These are a very atmospheric interpretations of some lesser known holiday songs in Ms. McKennitt's inimitable style. The cover art is very beautiful as one reviewer commented leading one to imagine the holidays a little more iydillic than they can sometimes be. Who says children can only have these dreams at this time of the year?? This will be nice to put on while gearing up for the season, putting up trees, etc. I think this will compliment the Windham Hill Winter Solstice and Narada Holiday compilations quite nicely!! Happy Holidays, Everyone! Start by geting this early!

This was a great CD and it lived up to all I hoped it would be. Very good purchase.

I love Loreena McKennit and here with An Ancient Muse I love her even more! She has such strength and purpose and her passion comes through clearly in all of her songs. Even the instrumentals are extremely moving. I never grow tired of Loreena and I hope she keeps on going strong!

Beautiful...as usual!

I always liked Loreena McKennitt, but it wasn't until I saw her "Nights of the Alhambra" DVD that I became a real fan. Prior to that, I was attracted by her beautiful voice and her haunting arrangements of traditional Celtic music. But after seeing "Alahambra", I realized that she also plays several instruments with virtuousity, and is a great performer! Now, when I listen to her new Ancient Muse DVD, I get more out of it, because it recalls the concert and makes the experience a (virtual) visual as well as an audio treat!

She explores new ground- but subtly, so it is not surprising that many reviewers missed it- she took the train to Istanbul and her confused fans are still milling about in Morocco...

I've had this album for about a year, and I can tell you it really is one of my favorites! The blending of musical styles and instruments, not to mention the musical expertise of all the accompaniament is quite unique! Like many others, I am particularly fond of the Middle Eastern influence in such pieces as 'Caravanserai.' To me, pieces like this are written in 'camel time,'which is the cadence of camels crossing the endless desert, going somewhere, but a long, long way to go.... Excellent music for driving long distances, background music, music for contemplation and many other things as well, it is at once mesmerising, soothing and illuminating as well. While it has taken Loreena ten years to come out with something new, when you consider the work and expertise by all parties that has gone into this, it really doesn't surprise me at all; perfection takes a long time to master! I styrongly recommend this one, and if you like it (and I am pretty sure you will!) then try the new 'Night at the Alhambra' as well......

Loreena McKennitt is one of the least known Irish folk singers while being one of the best. I've known about her for about 10 years and have several of her cd's. I first heard her while listening to an Irish radio station on the internet and heard her sing "The Highwayman" which is an epic poem. I was blown away and HAD to have that cd and after hearing the rest of the music on it, have become a big fan. Take a chance and you will not be disappointed.

I love how with every album Loreena McKennitt puts out, her album is the results of her travels all over the world. On her album THE BOOK OF SECRETS (which would be her last studio album for several years before AN ANCIENT MUSE), Loreena explores the history of the celts. When I listen to the cd, I feel like I am getting a history lesson in celtic history. I like that Loreena writes music that is never insulting or trite.Although the album version of "The Mummer's Dance" is a far cry from the radio version, it is nonetheless still a joy to listen to. The album version is longer and slower while the radio versoin is shorter and more upbeat. Me thinks radio wanted a version that would appeal to a broader audience. If that was the case it worked but unfortunately it made people expect that version to be found on THE BOOK OF SECRETS. My personal favorite track on the album is the haunting ballad "Dante's Prayer" which was inspired by a trip across Siberia during one winter on a train, and the book DANTE'S INFERNO. I lke how minimal the use of instruments are on this particular track, allowing Loreena's warm voice to be the center of attention. The rest of the album is just as wonderful. The richly detailed lyrics and the lush, haunting celtic melodies makse for a wonderful combination. THE BOOK OF SECRETS have really grown on me over the years and is now a steadfast favorite in my itunes library and stereo.

The only disappointment I had was that the CD contains a different version of "The Mummer's Dance" than is heard on the radio. I much prefer that version but otherwise her music is beautiful! Her lovely voice and the lush instrumentation make for a very enjoyable listening experience.

When you want to chill out, this is the music you need. It is very soothing to the soul.

Amazing music, excellent artist. I love Lorenna McKennit music, and this disc is one of her best ones.

I had the album for quite a while before I played the DVD. It's fantastic and maybe the first time I understood where all these amazing sounds come from. The music is wonderful, many of the songs I like even more than the studio version (how often does that happen?). But don't miss the DVD, it's simply amazing!

I love her music and songs but I wish they had edited out the applause, it really ruins it for me.

fabulous music, requiring your heart to listen to it
I purchased again for another two to send to friends

I became a fan of Loreena McKennitt since "The Book of Secrets"."Nights from the Alhambra" is simply excellent-For the music as well the DVD.Watching her in concert is simply great along with her band of musicans as well hearing the cd's.It was a shame her last live cd-"Live in Paris and Toronto" did'nt have a dvd.This more makes up for it."Nights from the Alhambra" came in a diga-pak with the discs spread out-beautifully packaged.If you want to see and hear Loreena Mckennitt in concert-This is it.Her Celtic Music simply beautiful.

Probably the best compendium of her work (and a great DVD too, as this gives the audience the chance to see Loreena's really outstanding musicians show off their 'stuff!'), this and 'Ancient Muse' are two of my favorite CD's!! More! More!!

This is a great album. I enjoy her style and voice. She is a classic and should be considered a Celtic Deva.

This is another great album from Loreena. Her work makes for a beautiful setting while cooking, relaxing, doing chores, entertaining, etc. Her songs and melodies bring you back to a world of old that no longer exists at the present...
I give my highest recommendation.

Loreena McKennitt sings beautifully and the music is so lovely to listen to. Will certainly buy more of her music. I play the CD almost daily. So glad I took a chance on this CD and purchased it. Well worth it.

I heard this CD playing in a store, and fell in love with it! I really enjoy it!

I am a fan of just about all of Loreena McKennitt's music, but there is something about this CD of hers which just pierces my soul every time I listen to it. It has a dream-like feel to it which intertwines dark longings with intense peace. My personal favorites are "Mystic's Dream", "Full Circle", and "The Two Trees", a beautiful poem by Yeats. Best of all though, is "Dark Night Of The Soul", a song written by a monk expressing his passionate love for God. It brings tears of joy to my eyes and a taste of heaven to my spirit every time I hear it.

It's very simply this: If there's such a place as heaven, and if in heaven
there are such things as Angels, and if these Angels sing, Loreena McKennett is what they sound like.

I became a L.M. fan years ago. The first time I heard her haunting voice I was instantly hooked. This wasn't the first CD I bought of hers, but it has to be my very favorite. I never grow tired of it and while I listen, her calming voice and soothing music take me to a far off place...a relaxing place that is nowadays, so rare. She has the ability to lift my spirits instantly. I love all of Loreena's music and I will be a fan of hers for life.

The music of Loreena McKennitt in the album "The Visit" continues her tradition of evoking the past through her distinctive voice and her use of ancient intrumentation. "The Visit" draws upon Celtic Myth, the poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson and the words of William Shakespeare. The rich variety of lyric impulses transports the listener to another time and another place. Loreena McKennitt's music is always a journey to somewhere.

Am a mad Tango fiend and track 6 of this CD is one of our favourite tracks to dance to. So I bought this CD for one track - but the rest of it proved both enticing and addictive. Loreena's haunting voices imparts a strong Celtic influence to the tracks BUT they all have an "International" appeal. Traditional Celtic songs are mixed with Sitar music and as mentioned earlier a Tango. This is a wonderful fusion of styles. A bit more like Eva Cassidy than Enya - Loreena uses her voice in clear long notes that are delicately enwrapped by the instrumentation - just enough background music to frame her eerie vocal technique. If you are impressed by clear vocal sound, you WILL enjoy this CD. Arthur/Brisbane.

This was the first of Loreena's albums that I ever heard, way back in 1992. It always played in a room at a bookstore that friends and I used to visit, and seemed to be 'calling' to us to that room; drawn by the mystica verve of the tunes. Finally, I bought it; and it opened a whole world to me; a realm of textured sound, sensuous thought, and aesthetic harmony--yet not "New Age." There are deep rhythms here, and a flow that makes the CD as a whole seem like one, unified, artistic creation; all of the tracks hang together, creating a melancholy yet en-spiriting experience that may well lead the listener to meditative centering, trancing or perhaps even inspired circle dancing. It lifts me up when I'm down, and brings me to the vortex when I'm strung out in too many directions. A healing album, as well as one that stirs the imagination. By all means, experience this one!

This gift-boxed set contains not only the new well-received CD "A Midwinter Nights Dream", but also includes a one hour DVD video "A Moveable Musical Feast". The video reveals the "behind the scenes" activity during the 2007 "An Ancient Muse" tour, and includes new complete* performance video of 3 songs:

The Gates of Istanbul
The Highwayman
Never Ending Road

*plus some partial, and a "surprise" which has not, and likely will not ever be on a CD.

This rare treat would be a lovely gift for any Loreena fan.

This early work of original compositions and traditional songs with accompaniment by Celtic harp is truly beautiful and a must have for all lovers of Loreena's music. Her original songs are so haunting and atmospheric they take you away to a moonlight place. This is every bit as good as her later work, if not better.

This is her best album.(The Visit too) Every songs are well recorded.
Smooth and spirit. I can listen to this album night and day.
Get one and you'll be happy.

Her music is sooo hauntingly beautiful and unique. All of her music is exceptional!

I enjoy Loreena McKennitt so much that after hearing her first CD, I have bought most of the others. Her music is interesting, engaging, satisfying, and different.

"I'll be a moonsbreath beside your side" from Samain Night.

"The moon-cradle's rocking and rocking" from Moon Cradle.

"Fire Dance" doesn't sound Native American, but it sounds so great, especially the background drum.

"Annachie Gordon" is the song of a broken heart, not because of actions of the lovers, but actions of the parents.

"Standing Stone" has a great instrumental introduction and an interesting story of another pair of lovers separated.

"Maybe I can find a place I can call my home,
"Maybe I can find a home I can call my own" from "Dicken's Dublin (The Palace)" So sad.

"May the spirit never die" from "Breaking the Silence"

"Ancient Pines" sounds like pine trees groaning in the wind, not whispering in the breeze as I like to hear them. Haunting.

This is one great CD. I rarely like soprano voices, but Loreena's is an exception.

Every year has a Christmas; I don't think "to drive the cold winter away" will disappear in the future.

This one is just as good as all the others I have. Her music is so peaceful and wonderful to listen to. If you haven't bought any of her works, then do so, you will enjoy it also!

I've had a couple of copies of this; the first one the ex took upon separation, the second went for a forgotten birthday present just in the nick of time. Anyway, this is an atmospheric cd, having the feeling of hearing music in an open hard wood environment, which is pretty much as it was recorded. It has a sharp quality to it, but I've liked that characteristic of the recording ever since hearing it, and of course tone controls can taylor it to your liking and room environment. This is a recording that(my perspective) can be enjoyed during not only the Christmas season, but during the dark, dreary cold days of winter. It has a classic quality to it that doesn't meet any conventional descriptions, with Lorenna's sharp, rich voice and the open chamber quality of the recording making it unique.

This is not my favorite of Loreena's CDs but it is still worth a listen. The songs were somewhat alike, and nothing really stands out like some of the cuts on An Ancient Muse or Live in Paris and Toronto. If you are a Loreena fan, however, you will definitely want to add this to your collection.

This is an amazing CD. It is very sparse yet beautiful and seems to capture the mood of a winter's evening perfectly. Loreena's voice and musical offerings through the years have increased in complexity and multi-cultured flavorings.....a wonderful evolution for a deep artist. But on returning to this album you get a very stripped down Loreena, lotsa tracks with just her and maybe 1 or 2 instruments while she sings very old Christmas/Solstice songs.....Strangely, this is not only my favorite Christmas/Solstice CD but also my favorite album by her in general. It just,,,,,speaks to anyone who has spent Christmas/Solstice in the quiet countryside and witnessed the true miracle of the season....the stillness and beauty of winter in the country.