| An Ancient Muse | 
 enlarge | Artist: Loreena Mckennitt
Label: Verve
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $7.59
You Save: $11.39 (60%)
New (44) Used (16) from $7.58
Avg. Customer Rating:  234 reviews
Sales Rank: 420
Format: Enhanced
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 5.3 x 4.8 x 0.4
MPN: 000792002
UPC: 774213121097
EAN: 0774213121097
ASIN: B000J3EEBY
Release Date: November 21, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Another Flower from Her Musical Garden April 6, 2008
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.
McKennitt continues her exploration of Middle Eastern musical phrasing, so wonderful & prominent in NIGHTS FROM THE ALLHAMBRA.
Another element that really shines 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 a violin. was SO GOOD. In fact, it reflected a very pleasant overall romantic feel to this CD.
"Caravanserai" bestows "the gift of tears" (at least for me) and beckons like a ray of light in this very sad world. This lovely song can be heard as a musical prologue to the next song The English Ladye and The Knights, with its Palestrina like choral intro and conclusion.
"Kecharitomene" is a powerful non-vocal composition & incredible performance.
Nights from the Alhambra - (Jewel 2 CD + DVD)
The Book of Secrets
The Mask and Mirror
The Visit
Elemental
Parallel Dreams
Loreena does it again! March 20, 2008
0 out of 6 found this review helpful
LOVE it!! Sarah Sanctuary The Sacred Pyramid Voices of Eternity
Darrell Combs, Cortland, OH March 18, 2008
Bought this recording in 2007 upon its release; An Ancient Muse is an excellent work of art. Although it was a long wait since her last release, it was well worth the wait. I can't say enough positive about the music and the warmth it brings to the listener. Among my 1,000 cd collection, it's one that I keep close to my player. I've got to say it's in my top 10 favorite cd's and will remain there for quite some time. You won't be disappointed in buying this one.
Sounds A Bit Like Méhdi February 16, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
You'll love this if you enjoy Méhdi, Enya or other soothing music artists. It is the very essence of good music. So tranquil, yet so spirited, this cd is a refreshing break from my well-worn collection, I just keep wanting to listen to it over and over again. I am amazed! It reminds me somewhat of Secret Garden's older works, but still very unique. This is music to the soul. Absolutely relaxing, as well.
Also Recommeded: Méhdi ~ Paradise..A True Gem... Full Samples at Soothing Music Dot Com...Just go Listen !Instrumental Paradise Volume 8
Mckennitt is anawesome talent February 14, 2008
Great and touching lyrics.
Fantastic music & Orcastration.
Great variety of instruments and multicultral sound
Every arrangement is a history lesson.
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