Loreena McKennitt-A Midwinter Night's Dream

The holiday collection features an array of the artist's wide musical influences, ranging from Celtic to classical to Middle Eastern. Her eclecticism shines through in the mysticism of The Holly and the Ivy, the exotic Eastern arrangements of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, the Latin-sung Emmanuel and the North French/African rendering of Noël Nouvelet!, sung in Old French.

Loreena recorded the new material for A Midwinter Night's Dream at Peter Gabriel's Real World recording studio near Bath, England following a highly successful European tour. With McKennitt providing vocals as well as piano, accordion and harp accompaniment; she is supported by Brian Hughes on oud and guitar, Hugh Marsh on violin, Caroline Lavelle on cello, Donald Quan on viola and percussion, Ben Grossman on hurdy gurdy and percussion, Simon Edwards on bass, Rick Lazar on percussion and Stratis Psaradellis on Greek lyra and Greek lute.

I really wanted to recapture some of the frankincense and myrrh in this music, McKennitt explained, and the process was a fresh reminder of the diversity of so many traditions when it comes to music of the winter season. The songs are rich with abundant references to the natural world and connections to our spiritual and religious bearings; it's clear that people have always used winter as a time of reflection.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Loreena
• Mckennitt
• celtic
• christmas
• holiday
• mummer
• irish
• winter
• snow

[rock102688]

whats that song at the very beginning? during the presenting etc..

[CelticMusings]

hmmm... I just noticed it isn't repeated in the vid with its name.... oh well.

It is called Breton Carol :)

[benzackry]

I've listened to her Noel Nouvelet song, and i LOVE IT!!!! Is this song a Christian hymn?. Anyway, i love the Noel Nouvelet song she sang and the arragement was great. I'm not a Christian. I'd love to purchase her songs but, I don't know where, coz i'm a Malaysian. Moreover, I'm a Muslim....

[CelticMusings]

:D That is my favourite song on the album *so far* :) I believe it is a Christian Hymn because it means "Sing We Now of Christmas" I can remember the lyrics right now. Most of the songs on this album are Christian, I think, because most songs involved with Winter/Christmas are predomanately christian.

Can you purchase via post? If you go to her website you can order there and I think that it will work. I'm so glad to have met you! I don't know any muslim people. I'm a Pagan Witch and that...

[benzackry]

I've looked around here website, but i'm quite chickened-out whether to purchase it or not. I'm afraid if my muslim friends ask questioned me about the CD...I'm glad to meet you. Here in Malaysia, I've never met a Pagan Witch....

[CelticMusings]

I'm sorry about your friends... Hmmm... Have you heard Loreena's album "The Mask and Mirror"? She is inspired by Islam in that quite a bit! I think you should buy and if your friends find out just explain beautiful music is beautiful music! It doesn't change what you believe. I personally love listening to "Choir Music" and especially chants by catholic priests. And Islamic ones as well! They are so peaceful and spiritual!

[Neueregel]

I'm an atheist and I love Loreena's music. I think it trascends religions and hate

[wolverinegirl83]

i'm not really sure what kind of muslim friends you have, that would object to listening to loreena's music. i'm muslim, and i love loreena and her music. i don't think God is going to strike me down for that...it's not like i am out listening to a song about killing babies and eating them in some stew..........

[CelticWillowMoon]

Question for people talking about, I'm this religion and that religion but I love Loreena's music. What has her music got to do with religion?

[MrTrullyjustbrowsing]

Seeds of love and snow get's me everytime

[McGoonagle]

@ gawain259 It's "The holly and the ivy." It's a very, very old English Christmas carol that is still sung today during the Christmas season.

[thewintear]

there is no religion on earth that inhibits listening some other cultures or religions music or hymn....so stop with that muslim/catholic/atheist thingies..she is not compoisng her lovely music for some religion, she is a genius tht composes heavenly songs

[benzackry]

@celticwolf98 i'm really sorry. Hard to say. I've never buy things from Amazon. haha..

[celticwolf98]

@benzackry

Since I don't live in Malaysia, I don't know where you can physically buy a copy of her music, but you can always try Amazon or the like. (Do they deliver to Malaysia?)

However you get the music, it's awesome that you listen to it. I love how Loreena McKennitt can bring people from different cultures, religious backrounds, etc. together through her beautiful music and angelic voice. Keep on listening Benzachry. Enjoy the wonderful sounds of Loreena McKennitt. =-)

[dazedinsomniac90]

this is a nice way to promote an album. :) really presented nicely.

[MissChillia]

wow!!! what for a ♥beautiful voice♥

[xXxZombiexXxBabyxXx]

lets all just agree to dissagree? she has amazing voice and her songs are beautiful why cant we just appreciate what shes giving us without letting our silly little fights take the focus off the music shes bringing to our lives?

[XXberanXX]

I loveeee this women,she is wonderfoollllll...