Loreena McKennitt - Midwinter Night's Dream
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Free Music Notes for Midwinter Night's Dream
Free Music Review: Dreams of Peace; Dreams by FireLight
Hit: 5 Stars
When the music started, I stopped; and I didn't get up again until the last tune had run its course. I was mesmerized, and felt as though I had been taken on a journey through the icons of the Winter Solstcie Season. I was a fan of "A Winter's Garden," and have always wondered what a new full length CD from Ms. Mckennitt would be like; now I know. _And this CD was definitely worth waiting for -- it is a tapestry of poignant emotions, sensual touchstones and richly imbued musical artistry that has not a single cliched "holiday" tune on it. The five pieces from the earlier CD are integrated into a new playlist that does not merely bookend the old line-up with new songs. There are two instrumentals on the CD, ("Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle" and "Breton Carol"), both with interesting instrumentation and arranement. There is an a capella tune -- "Gloucestershire Wassail" that provides an unexpected punctuation in the line-up. The version of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" sung in Latin is full of a joyful melancholy--just as it should be. Overall, I get a deep sense of beauty and peace from the CD, and I imagine I will have many Christmas dreams while listening to it, as the Winter Solstice comes and goes. I highly recommend it.Free Music Review: Norte Americano Creature Cover
Hit: 5 Stars
Item # B001G9LVGG A Midwinter Night's Dream
Some of these songs are completely new to me, but I fell in love with them immediately.
"Seeds of Love"
"Gloucestershire Wassail"
"Noel Nouvelet"
"Snow"
"The Seven Rejoices of Mary"
Like all the rest of the album, these each conform to an Loreena Mckennitt experience, classical instruments, sacred chorus choir, her clear sweet voice ringing out between the trickling stream of a fluent harp. The Abdelli Version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen would be considered a belly-dancing rhythm, I believe.
Some of my old favorites are performed in a way I've never heard them before, and likely a more authentic flavor beside their origins in medieval Europe.
"The Holly & The Ivy"
"Emmanuel"
"Coventry Carol"
"In the Bleak Midwinter" (instrumental)
"Good King Wenceslas"
If you enjoy the story of Good King Wenceslas, she has a way of telling it that I'd rate as valuable enough to justify all the songs together. But then, to some people, a harper is not merely an entertainer. }:-)
Free Music Review: The Best Christmas CD I Own!
Hit: 5 Stars
I purchased this CD just a week ago and have already listened to it a dozen times. As my title indicates, this is the most memorable Christmas album I own, and I own at least 50. If you're a long-time Loreena fan like me, you probably have this on your wish list already; here she offers the patented haunting, medieval Celtic-inspired McKennitt interpretation of some well-known European carols as well as some less-familiar ones. I for one did not know "The Seven Joys of Mary" but learned that the Irish ballad "Star of the County Down" is based on this ancient melody. Loreena's clear, thrilling soprano takes center stage, but she's also got some very interesting instrumental arrangements featuring her harp, accompanied by some Middle-Eastern inspired beats. If you are unfamiliar with this absolutely unique Canadian singer-songwriter-harpist, "A Midwinter's Dream" is an excellent introduction to the mystique of Loreena. If you don't already own all her other CDs, this will inspire you to give them a listen.Free Music Review: Fitting holiday feast for both your eyes and ears
Hit: 5 Stars
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
Free Music Review: Loreena McKennit releases yet another wonderful album
Hit: 5 Stars
As a long time Loreena McKennitt fan, I was thrilled to learn about her new Christmas album, "A Mid Winter Night's Dream." Her previous full length Christmas CD, "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" was a regular in my holiday play list and I am happy to add this one as well.
This CD has Loreena's regular blend of celtic and midde eastern sounds, combined beautifully. I especially like "Noel Nouvelet" and "Gloucestershire Wassail." I also really like the modal/minor take on "The Holly and the Ivy." As always, Loreena's voice soars with beauty and clarity on all the vocal selections.
I do have to say that I think I like the original version of "Snow" from "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" better than the reworked version on this album, although it is still a solid offering.
Overall, I LOVE this album, and so does my family (I have yet to get it back from my father who was borrowing it from me!)