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An Ancient Muse [ENHANCED]
Loreena McKennitt (Artist)

 

 

Audio CD (November 21, 2006)

Original Release Date: November 21, 2006

Number of Discs: 1

Format: Enhanced

In this very humble devotee's opinion, Loreena McKennitt could sing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" and it would sound as if inspired by a great poet of yore, sung by the priestess of a mystic goddess. Needless to say, all of her CDs receive my highest rating. The only difference between them in my estimation is that one or the other my have certain all time favorite songs or poems--and ALL of them feature a lot of those.

One thing that immediately stands out in AN ANCIENT MUSE is the degree of Middle Eastern musical phrasing, even more prominent than in NIGHTS FROM THE ALLHAMBRA.

I love the Middle Eastern sound.

Another element that really stands out in this CD is the superlative quality of the accompanying instrumental composition & musicians. "Kecharitomene" is a powerful non-vocal composition & performance. It's really great to hear the hurdy gurdy played on many of the pieces. I can't single out any performer because they all sounded wonderful. Also, there were some instruments I wasn't familiar with--and synthesizing made identification difficult at some points. The lead instrument in the "Caravanserai" selection sounded like an acoustic guitar or mandolin, but I don't think it was--but it was SO GOOD. In fact, it reflected a very pleasant overall romantic feel to this CD.

The water works turn on every time I listen to "Caravanserai" just to hear that such beauty still exists in this "sad, sad world."

AN ANCIENT MUSE really is my favorite McKennitt CD--now THAT's a recommendation.

I had to create my own 6 Star rating for it.



Nights from the Alhambra - (Jewel 2 CD + DVD)
The Book of Secrets
The Mask and Mirror
The Visit
Elemental
Parallel Dreams 

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Review: JEFarrow

Updated 06/08