Music to Dream By The winter holiday season is often a time of dreariness and depression, as we angst over what gifts to give, often becoming over-occupied by the negative. It is also, for many, a time of isolation, as the snow and ice accumulates. A Midwinter Night's Dream, washes away the winter doldrums, and Loreena's thoughtful music selections and her voice's mystical qualities reminds the listener to stop and reflect on the peace and joy within their own world.
Music to Dream By A Midwinter Night's Dream,
music review by Dee Marie
No one can weave magic into a song like Loreena McKennitt. Her newest gift to her fans, A Midwinter Night's Dream, was recorded in England, near Bath, and the Old English countryside can be heard through her lyrical musings.
A Midwinter Night's Dream, is a blend of eight new songs (The Holly & The Ivy - Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle [an instrumental] - The Seven Rejoices of Mary - Noel Nouvelet! [sung in Old French] - Breton Carol [an instrumental] - Gloucestershire Wassail, - Emmanuel [sung in Latin] - In the Bleak Midwinter), and a re-master of five beloved songs (Coventry Carol - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Good King Wenceslas – Snow - Seeds of Love) from Loreena's 1995, Winter Garden album.
The opening song, The Holy and the Ivy, (the song dates back nearly a thousand years), sets the stage of the album's ability to blend Christian and pagan celebrations together in perfect unity. The song provides imagery of symbolic evergreens growing in the dead of winter, giving hope to a new year. As does Loreena's music.
The winter holiday season is often a time of dreariness and depression, as we angst over what gifts to give, often becoming over-occupied by the negative. It is also, for many, a time of isolation, as the snow and ice accumulates. A Midwinter Night's Dream, washes away the winter doldrums, and Loreena's thoughtful music selections and her voice's mystical qualities reminds the listener to stop and reflect on the peace and joy within their own world.
I was especially joyful that one of my all time favorite's, Snow (which is also featured on To Drive The Cold Winter Away), was featured on the song list. I never tire of that song, from the opening cords, I am swept away to another realm.
Throughout the album, the intermixing of Old-world Celtic vocals blended with both Celtic and Middle Eastern arrangements made me suspect that time-travelers were involved in the ancient classical songs' creations, as each song was composed as if were written specially for Loreena.
Among my favorite tracks: the afore mentionedSnow and Seeds of Love Another of my favorites is Gloucestershire Wassail, the first notes always make me smile. It is wonderfully fun, and evokes visions of good friends, good ale, and good times!
Although A Midwinter Night's Dream, is a collection of Christmas songs, it is truly a celebration of the Winter Solstice. With a timeless quality that will make you want to listen to the CD all year round. A must have for anyone who loves music that enchants the imagination and warms the heart and soul.
Off World Designs
| Print this article 
Comments
Great review Dee-Marie.
Thanks for sharing this lovely winter CD with us!
Only logged in users are allowed to comment. register/log in