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(More customer reviews)Loreena McKennitt is a singer songwriter who defies generalizations. While primarily in the Celtic tradition, she is always pushing the borders. Sometimes traditional and sometimes completely inventive she is capable of perpetual surprises.
"The Book of Secrets" is a musical journey through the relatives and contemporaries of the Celtic tradition. She mixes themes from Europe and Near East with the rhythmic and instrumental approaches of the Celtic world. The effect is hypnotic. The eerie and contemplative 'Prologue' shifts to the strong melodic work of 'The Mummers' Dance' recalling ancient spring rituals of rebirth. 'Skellig' has an almost Renaissance flavor as it voices the contemplative farewell song of an Italian monk.
'Marco Polo' echoes Oriental touches with Sufi melodies, capturing the ecstatic nature of that tradition perfectly. The, in an almost magical transition McKennitt switches to one of my favorites, 'The Highwayman.' This is a resetting of an Alfred Noyes poem, a dramatic stories of sacrifice and vengeance over melodic fiddle work and dancing drums. 'La Serenissima' is a return to the medieval contemplative, playing harp and fiddle against each other.
'Night Ride Across the Caucasus' uses Asiatic styling over the pulsing beat of horses in motion to recall the spiritual journey of the alchemist and the quest of the mystic. 'Dante's Prayer,' the final song of the album, is another personal favorite. Occasioned by a trip across the Russian Steppes it opens with an echo of Russian Orthodox melody and then shifts to a melodic, contemporary sound as McKennitt voice sings a beautiful plaint that echoes the love songs of Sufi poetry, whose object is the Beloved, the divine. "Cast your eyes on the ocean, Cast your soul to the sea," she sings, "When the dark night seems endless, Please remember me."
Recording quality is immaculate, with a fine atmospheric aura. McKennit's voice is soft and full, possibly the best I've ever hear hit. Her skill as a lyricist is every bit as good as her musical talents. This is an extraordinary album which will provide countless hours of pleasure and thought. Enjoy.
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BONUS DVD (PAL)--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.
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