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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
Review: JEFarrow
Updated 06/08