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Loreena McKennitt - An Ancient Muse


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The return of the Lady is something one should wait for. Patiently. If it's the Lady of the Music like Loreena McKennitt the waiting, even if it's ten-year long, will be compensated. Abundantly – in this case.

After the decade of absence on the musical stage, Loreena returns with an oxymoronic record. It's known from the first sounds of apostrophic “ Invocation” - it's she: Canadian singer fascinated with the Celtic music. At the same time one is surprised by the diversity of musical styles in music on “An Ancient Muse”( certainly under the control of folk passion of the composer). With the elegance of an ancient muse she takes listeners on a musical trip in search of Celtic roots within historic areas of Asia and Europe. Beginning from Mongolia, through the basin of Mediterranean sea. Loreena “opens” rhythmic “ Gates of Istanbul”, touches with a penetrating voice in “Caravanserai”, movingly tells the story of “The English Ladye and the Knight” ( I've got the irresistible impression, that I heard the voice of Sinnead O’Connor in this composition...) I'm following the traces of the culture of ancient times. Homer's “Odyssey” is its guide post. This journey, just like the road, never ends. And the sadness makes it even slower.

The diversity of effects of the search requires giving more time for the newest record of Canadian Lady. To understand. To become familiar to it. But also to commune with the sadness. Like the one after the loss of fiancé, which she had to face up, and which has, possibly, significantly effected the minor tones of “An Ancient Muse”. And with the cold blue of the cover of this album.

One thing is certain. If you are eager for an original musical experience, listen to “An Ancient Muse”. Loreena McKennitt, with, typical of her, elegance, will take You on a magical journey following in our ancient ancestors' footsteps. This journey with an ancient muse, which Loreena has found in a far – reaching space of Asian – European history and culture, is also confirmed by the rich set of instruments used during the recording session of “ An Ancient Muse”. And the unusual guide is, of course, the voice of the Lady.

Tracklisting:
01. Incantation
02. The Gates of Istanbul
03. Caravanserai
04. The English Ladye and the Knight
05. Kecharitomene [instrumental]
06. Penelope's Song
07. Sacred Shabbat [instrumental]
08. Beneath a Phrygian Sky
09. Never-Ending Road (Amhrán Duit)

www.quinlanroad.com
Author:
Translator: apeiron
Add date: 2007-07-25 / Music reviews




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