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Track Listings
| 1. Prologue |
| 2. The Mummers' Dance |
| 3. Skellig |
| 4. Marco Polo |
| 5. The Highwayman |
| 6. La Serenissima |
| 7. Night Ride Across The Caucasus |
| 8. Dante's Prayer |
Product Description
Amazon.ca
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
Product Description
Canadian singer/composer Loreena McKennitt is self-managed, self-produced, and the head of her own internationally successful record label, Quinlan Road. In a recording career spanning nearly two decades, McKennitt's "eclectic Celtic" music has won critical acclaim worldwide and gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards in fifteen countries across four continents.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Big G
Format:Audio CD
There was one track of hers on a Celtic Chillout collection. It was The Mummers' Dance, an extraordinary track, and on the strength of that, I bought The Book Of Secrets. What a find - the whole album is extraordinary.
There is so much to write about this album that if I tried to express everything I wanted to say, I would lose myself in an ever-decreasing spiral. Let's just say that Ms McKennitt has a very beautiful and original voice, the subjects of her compositions are varied to say the least - you seem to be taken on a mystical journey, a bit like reading Lord Of The Rings in a day. However, there are lots of influences which show themselves in the lyrics and the melodies; the musicianship is truly masterful and she has produced a near-perfect album.
One reviewer of her music suggested that it should be experienced whilst having sex. I think I would rather pay attention to her first and keep my partner waiting .....!
This is an exemplary album and a good way to get into Ms McKennitts brand of Celtic music - as I have. One can only wonder why it has taken me so long to find out about her.
By Leslie Mac
Format:Audio CD
... from the hard, often jagged edges of our trouble-laden world. If I could momentarily go back into time, about 115 years ago, and dance in a field of sunflowers, in Oscar Wilde's arms, to the heavenly Celtic strains of "The Mummers Dance", I would consider my life to be complete.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Over 400 reviews on this cd and the average is 5 stars out of 5? Does that tell you how good a cd this is? You bet. I like all of Loreena's work and this one is a favourite. Especially "Dante's Prayer" which uses the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir singing the beautiful and haunting "Alleluia Behold The Bridegroom" as an intro and ending, with Loreena's wonderful music and lyrics in between. She does not churn out cd's like some artists do and it shows in the quality of work she does. Each song is well thought out, arranged and produced, like she is writing a novel and condensing it into five to ten minute short stories. Correct me if I am wrong, but her next album took almost ten years to come out. (With a live album in between.) Which was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. Her ideas come from her experiences and not from some label rep demanding a top ten single. Keep it real Loreena.
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Go to Amazon.com to see all 529 reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Beautiful cd
There is not much to say here. I found this cd to be beautiful, haunting, and moving. I would highly recommend it if you like Celtic cds, Enya, or for excellent relaxation music!
Published on Jan 18 2011 by Freya
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thanks to Amazon and Snaps for Loreena
Hi guys and girls, i just want to say a big 'thanks!' to Amazon for showing me the wonderful talented Loreena, i have always liked this kind of stuff, and my favourite has to be... Read more
Published on July 6 2004 by "againstallreason"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely Relaxing Music
I recommend Loreena's music to anyone who is stressed out. It is one of the most relaxing CDs that I have ever purchased. It sort takes you to a state of tranquility and focus. Read more
Published on July 6 2004 by Maria L Sutcliffe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Near Perfect!..A Great Production!
Every song here is unique, and a very nice addition to the great Celtic tradition. The linear notes are very informative too, in showing the many potential links between Celtic and... Read more
Published on Jun 29 2004 by S. Henkels
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thanks For The Introduction To Mehdi
I've always enjoyed Loreena Mckinnett and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this page I discovered an artist by the name... Read more
Published on Jun 22 2004
1.0 out of 5 stars
Sweeping. Fragile. Delicate.
Book of Secrets is a delicate, beautiful album with songs both fragile and powerful all at once. McKennitt's voice is so delicate that it could shatter and fall to pieces, yet it... Read more
Published on Jun 20 2004 by Grimm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than just 5 stars!
I had heard about Loreena McKennitt, but had not heard her music, so when I saw this CD in a resale store, I bought it. I was amazed at the music. I can't hear this CD enough! Ms. Read more
Published on Jun 12 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Mummer's Dance" is utterly gorgeous
Thanks for the shamefully-amusing tidbit on the funnily-ironic boating incident. Life imitates art and vice-versa. Read more
Published on May 21 2004 by "depechemode1997"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
We had to read The Highwayman in english. I loved the poem. Then my techer put in this CD. Everyone was amazed at how wonderful Loreena McKennit's voice was. Read more
Published on May 3 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
A rich blend of Celtic tradition and other folk influences.
The Book of Secrets was the first Loreena McKennitt CD I ever purchased, and it remains my favorite of those I own. Read more
Published on Mar 8 2004 by Monika
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