Date: Sat, 18 Oct 1997
From: "Viviane \"Boadicea\" Reber" (reber@worldcom.ch)
I have just bought the new CD of Loreena Mc Kennitt ("The book of secrets"). I'm listening to it now for the first time, and I've decided to write down my first impressions of her songs in this little review. I hope that those who know Loreena will enjoy, and that others shall be tempted to discover her.
1) Prologue: A very mysterious song, with Arab and Oriental instruments. Loreena hums the melody in a very soft voice. It reminds me of the "Mystic's Dream"'s introduction (for those who have "The mask and the mirror"). The rhythm increases as Loreena chants with a "double" voice. I already like this song, that sounds very Oriental and peaceful.
2) The Mummer's Dance: A very Celtic sounding song, with a strong rhythm, bagpipes (or similar) and Loreena chanting in the background. Loreena sings, first gently, then with her typical high-pitched voice, that blends well with this song. Oriental sounds will slowly be added on, mixing cultures. I think that the song is about some kind of mystic ritual... I like it very much as well! (wow! two songs of Loreena in a row that *I* like... it's a miracle! ;))) )
3) Skellig (has she copied Clannad? ;)) ): A violin introduction, this song sounds melancolic already... and very Irish. A tin whistle adds to the violin now, and Loreena sings gently, deeply and slowly. This is a slow song, Loreena is singing the story of a monk writing in a monastery of the Skellig Isles. A very beautiful song... gosh, this CD is good! :)
4) Marco Polo: This song starts off energetically, with percussions and instruments from the Middle-East. It sounds like a very seductive, belly-dancer-like music. The rhythm is captivating, it sounds extremely Arab. Loreena's voice adds on, high, humming a tune, then disappears as the instruments end the song. I'm not mad about this one, it lacks a bit of warmth and is repetitive.
5) The Highwayman (whoa, it's more than 10 minutes long!): Violins introduce this song, followed by percussion and guitar. The music stops as Loreena sings, her voice low and soft. She sings the poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes (I'm not familiar with it, though). Her voice keeps a nice rhythm, but as the song is very long, you'll have to be interested in its story to appreciate it fully (like her "Lady of Shallott", on "The Visit").
6) La Serenissima (not "La Soñadora"? I'm surprised! ;)) ): This song starts off with harp and violin, gently. It sounds rather medieval. The violin takes the lead into a beautiful melody, then it's the turn of the harp. The instruments will play in turn the same music, with a few variations. This is a nice, peaceful song (Serenissima: very serene, I suppose), but it's a little repetitive.
7) Night Ride Across the Caucasus: The music starts off with a haunting rhythm, percussions and violing. It sounds Spanish and Arab at once. Loreena's voice, starting ethereal and soft, becomes firm and high, singing a journey. I like this song, its haunting melody and Loreena's rich voice.
8) Dante's Prayer: An ethereal sound, then a choir. A piano cuts the mystic atmosphere, with a violin backing it. Loreena's voice sings gently, a song about faith. There is a lovely interlude where Loreena sings the tune in a high, pure voice, like a choir singer. This song is melancolic, it resembles her song "The Two Trees" ("The mask and the mirror").
Well, that's it. I definitely don't regret having bought this CD (I'm not a great Loreena fan, my favourite is Enya, and I like most of Clannad), but I'm sure that some of her songs will be delightful for those who like Celtic music and Oriental sounds. I think that Loreena is very much interested in the mix of cultures, of how Celts and Arabs had same visions, etc. I like the idea... and I like this CD!