Loreena Mckennitt - Mask & Mirror
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Free Music Notes for Mask & Mirror
Free Music Review: The Two Trees
Hit: 5 Stars
For nothing else, buy this CD for track #7, The Two Trees. The poem with Words by William Butler Yeats and Music by the incredible Loreena McKennitt.
It tells the tale of the progression from innocent childhood, to cynical old age. How we can become bitter, brittle and old before our day if we stare into the glass of cynicism rather then remember that in our hearts we don't change, that we can remain children, if we but turn our hearts to tenderness and not dwell on our disappointments and the disappearance of youth.
"Remembering all that shaken hair
And how the winged sandals dart
Thine eyes grow full of tender care;
Beloved, gaze in thine own heart."
But the bitter glass of cynicism, as Yeats describes it, is a subtle influence, set to rob us of our joy and prevent us from living within our hearts.
"In the dim glass the demons hold,
The glass of outer weariness,
Made when God slept in times of old.
There, through the broken branches, go
The ravens of unresting thought;
Flying, crying, to and fro,
Cruel claw and hungry throat"
These poets words set to Lorrenna's haunting arrangement, call to something deep in us, something we have given away, but we can and we will recall its promise, that we are born from and for greatness, joy, and that our struggles do have a purpose, to reunite us to a creation we cannot see, nor touch, but that we may feel, if we but lift up our eyes from the bitter glass and listen to our hearts.
Free Music Review: This Album Was An Introduction To Loreena McKennitt's Music
Hit: 5 Stars
Bonny Swans was the first song I heard from Loreena McKennitt. In the midst of all the alternative music, rock music, classical and R & B and sometimes easy listening music (like the Andrew Sisters) music that I was listening to at that time, when I heard Loreena McKennitt and her Bonny Swans song, I got goose bumps. What a glorious sound this woman could bring. She describes her music as Celtic Eclectic. Her music is Celtic, and she captures the essence of other cultures of where the Celts have travelled. So that in her music, she expresses the travels and quests of where this journey of the Celts, and her personal journey takes her. Her music struck a chord within me that was melodic and harmonious. I immediately purchased the album. My favorite songs are of course the Bonny Swans, Full Circle, The Two Trees, Santiago, Mask and Mirror and Prospero's Speech (this is particularly very meditative.) Her music is soothing, energetic (like a fire) and visual of storytelling. The musicians are extraordinary! Especially the violinist, Hugh Marsh! She has wonderful and extra instruments on the album ouds, hurdy gurdy, balalaika, bag pipes. Loreena herself plays the accordion, the harp, and piano. Then there are the instruments of dumbek, drums, percussion and so forth. I'm getting carried away. This is a wonderful album. Because of this album, I purchased every album she has made! I highly recommend the Mask and Mirror.Free Music Review: Contemplative Ecstasy
Hit: 5 Stars
I first bought this CD a week or so after it came out. I was driving home with a friend when he slipped it into the CD player in the car--and we nearly drove off the road, it was so beautiful. Whereas "The Visit" is en-spiriting in a lively and enlivening way, "The Mask and Mirror" is much more 'contemplative' in a kind of earthy, humanizing sense. The music is woven together into (so I call it) an aesthetic mandalla; to listen to it is to be drawn toward the center of one's self, irresistably! It was on this CD that she first began exploring the Spanich and Arabic worlds. For me, "Dark Night of the Soul" -- the lyric of which is taken from a poem by the Spanish mystic John of the Cross -- is the vortex of the CD. A beautiful poem given a wonderful setting. The music of this CD is textured and layered. It will restore and reinvigorate your sense of beauty. Experience it for yourself!Free Music Review: Simply the Best
Hit: 5 Stars
The first time I bought this CD was from some kind of therapy store. I was walking by the storefront while they were playing the disk. I couldn't pass on this so I just stood and listened. At the end I asked if I could buy it, and ended up paying close to $30 US for this ! Folks, back then gasoline was only $1 per gallon.
I agree with the previous reviewer describing the "Dark night of the Soul" as the vortex of the CD. And couldn't agree more with the other reviewer's "borrowing technique" : I've bought this CD 3 times already because it kept went on missing ! To whoever took it, I don't blame you. Spread it out, share it with your love ones.
Don't listen to me, go download the song and listen for youself. And I'll bet you'll want a hard copy afterwards.
Free Music Review: Stunningly Beautiful
Hit: 5 Stars
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.