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 The Book of Secrets :: 0312354312
Description
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| McKennitt's recordings always have the quality of a spiritual sojourn; her songs are those of a seeker, whether she's setting Yeats, Scripture, or her own words to her compositions. It's this that attracts people to her music, and The Book of Secrets is no exception, whether it's the lazy rhythms of "Marco Polo," the sober joy of "The Mummers' Dance," the poignancy of "Skellig" or "Dante's Prayer," or the drama of Alfred Noyes's "The Highwayman." "The Highwayman" is a particularly strong effort, especially in comparison to her earlier setting of "The Lady of Shalott"; McKennitt has become much more skilled at musical narrative. This is music that can be enjoyed on many levels, from McKennitt's growing skill as a composer to the deeper questions posed by her lyrics. --Genevieve Williams Editorial Descriptions are usually submitted by the manufacturers, publishers and authors. Contact us if you are one of them, and wish to change the above description. |
Reviews
Customer feedback
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Author: Guest
I've always enjoyed Loreena and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered a group by the name of MEHDl (pronounced medie). After an online search I found their site (S00THINGMUSIC,C0M) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to these CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a big fan, I find MEHDl to be a great addition to this CD. I have them both in my multi-disc CD player and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.
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Author: Guest
Loreena's music is haunting and melodic. Her voice has a soothing quality that is instantly relaxing.Some of the song content is too dark for my taste but the voice and music are wonderful.
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Author: Guest
Others have written far more eloqently than I could on what an incredible set of 8 pieces of music this is. It continues to grow on me with each listening, almost 9 years later, and is easily my favorite of all her CD's, all of which I have. "The Highwayman" is so mesmerizing I could listen to it endlessly and not get tired of it.
Looking forward to "An Ancient Muse" next month with great anticipation.
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Author: Guest
The Book of Secrets is one of Loreena McKennitt's finest efforts, but I've read that some people don't hold it in high regard. I find that baffling - a mystery of secrets one might say.
Critics have called McKennitt pretentious, but I'm not sure pretentious is the right word to describe the sovereign of World Music.
Explaining (in Words and Music) the drive behind such impressive projects as The Book of Secrets, The Mask and Mirror, The Visit, or Parallel Dreams does not make her pompous or conceited - it makes her accessible like no other performing artist in her field.
Often using natural instruments existing in the observable world; neither supernatural nor magical, her work - if not supernatural - it is indeed magical to hear.
McKennitt's projects are filled with diverse instruments, which function together as if all of them were authentic period instruments meant to be played together. Strangely, though, some of those who comprise her studio band are Jazz, Blues, Classical, and Rock and Roll musicians. Then, McKennitt puts them all together with such world artists as Hossam Ramzy, and we get a masterpiece.
However, with a complex story to tell from beginning to end in music form, it does take some explaining for people interested in similar ideas inferred or derived from specific instances surrounding her musical philosophy. Her relevant descriptions help the listener understand what goes on between a prologue and a finale.
Often people misunderstand her efforts to explain her musical journey (and perhaps ours) through life. Yet, I love her unscripted interviews for their insight - their texture, or the essential quality of her musical patterns. They are very much tactile, rather than vague and distant. There are so many esoteric artists in the music business that Loreena McKennitt is as accessible as a fine bottle of Cháteauneuf du Pape - the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine.
Thus, Loreena McKennitt's Words and Music interviews are paramount to understanding her as a musician, storyteller, and songwriter, as well as each recording project she decides to engage in. Her storytelling brings the world into ones living room in a brilliantly colorful and thoughtful manner.
Call it slush if you like, but I believe Loreena McKennitt understands to be a musician doesn't mean one should become famous, make hordes of money, and then run for the hills to live happily in luxury. Most musicians know they are here to interpret music until the day before they die - as Mitsuko Uchida (the grand Dame of classical piano) said so eloquently about musicians in general. She is right.
In addition, anyone who knows Loreena McKennitt's philanthropic concerns understands she puts whatever her assets are to work in many areas of the world. She gives back to many communities like no other single musician I know. Where disadvantaged people, poor children, ALS victims, disaster victims, the environment, Water Search and Safety, Tolerance, Peace, and many other causes, are in desperate need of help, education, and supplies, Loreena McKennitt is at the forefront.
I cannot wait for An Ancient Muse to be released after nearly eight years of no studio music from Loreena McKennitt. However, she's been a busy girl Loreena has since the release of The Book of Secrets. Each day, her philanthropic work saves someone's life.
Lastly, I would be careless if I didn't say, without her contributions to music over the years, the music world would be a rather boring place, which is why The Book of Secrets isn't a boring place to be. It is far better to listen to The Book of Secrets than watch the 6 o'clock news - that is why I find Loreena McKennitt's music thoroughly enjoyable.
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Author: Guest
The combination of Celtic based music mixed with a haunting world sound is beyond imagination. The use of so many differnet instruments makes this a wonderful wordly blend of colors to
stir the imagination and Lorenna McKennitts voice is sweeping over it all. If you like Enya this beats it all together.
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