An Ancient Muse

While I enjoy the music on the CD which I bought from amazon.com, I cannot seem to download it to my real player and play it on my computer as I can every other CD I buy. Also, I can only hear it by going to their website which came up as netscape which is no longer supported. I'm not sure if these people are just behind in technology or doing something weird to protect against piracy or what but probably I won't buy any more of this artist's work.

This was a great CD and it lived up to all I hoped it would be. Very good purchase.

I love Loreena McKennit and here with An Ancient Muse I love her even more! She has such strength and purpose and her passion comes through clearly in all of her songs. Even the instrumentals are extremely moving. I never grow tired of Loreena and I hope she keeps on going strong!

Beautiful...as usual!

I always liked Loreena McKennitt, but it wasn't until I saw her "Nights of the Alhambra" DVD that I became a real fan. Prior to that, I was attracted by her beautiful voice and her haunting arrangements of traditional Celtic music. But after seeing "Alahambra", I realized that she also plays several instruments with virtuousity, and is a great performer! Now, when I listen to her new Ancient Muse DVD, I get more out of it, because it recalls the concert and makes the experience a (virtual) visual as well as an audio treat!

Oh God, is this boring. Loreena McKennitt has been one of my favorite artists for the last 14 years, but she's in a musical rut. I almost gave this two stars because some of the songs are pretty enough, and the musicianship is uniformly excellent -- but in the end I downgraded the review because an artist of her caliber should push herself to do better (unless she wants to play nothing but Renaissance fairs in the future).

She explores new ground- but subtly, so it is not surprising that many reviewers missed it- she took the train to Istanbul and her confused fans are still milling about in Morocco...

I've had this album for about a year, and I can tell you it really is one of my favorites! The blending of musical styles and instruments, not to mention the musical expertise of all the accompaniament is quite unique! Like many others, I am particularly fond of the Middle Eastern influence in such pieces as 'Caravanserai.' To me, pieces like this are written in 'camel time,'which is the cadence of camels crossing the endless desert, going somewhere, but a long, long way to go.... Excellent music for driving long distances, background music, music for contemplation and many other things as well, it is at once mesmerising, soothing and illuminating as well. While it has taken Loreena ten years to come out with something new, when you consider the work and expertise by all parties that has gone into this, it really doesn't surprise me at all; perfection takes a long time to master! I styrongly recommend this one, and if you like it (and I am pretty sure you will!) then try the new 'Night at the Alhambra' as well......

Fans of Loreena McKennitt will be pleased with this long-awaited album. It has a lot of similarities to her earlier work, but is different enough that I didn't feel like it was a rehash. You'll especially like this if you enjoyed the increasing Middle Eastern influences in McKennitt's last few albums. _An Ancient Muse_ is where the scale tips, more Middle Eastern than Celtic. You might guess that just by the (gorgeous) cover, though!

What I noticed most, besides the sheer beauty of the music, is that the recent years of war have weighed heavily on McKennitt. Several of the songs on _An Ancient Muse_ deal with the theme of war, and the tragedy thereof. "Caravanserai" and "Beneath a Phrygian Sky" mention war explicitly, mourning the "years of war," the "sword and gun and hatred." "Penelope's Song" is less blatant, but as it's about the Greek heroine who waited for her husband to come home from Troy, it fits.

Even when McKennitt returns to the tragic love ballad, with "The English Ladye and the Knight," there's something in the "feel" of the song that seems to focus more on "love one another" than on these two lovers in particular. I don't think it's an accident that McKennitt chose a ballad that features a Crusades death and has the refrain "for Love shall still be lord of all."

This is a beautiful album and I definitely recommend it. It has her usual haunting vocals and entrancing melodies, and seems to possess a subtle but inescapable moral: war is hell, and love is the only hope.

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 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

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

LOVE it!! Sarah Sanctuary The Sacred Pyramid Voices of Eternity

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.

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

I think it is unconscionable that every one in the world is allowed to download this album in lossless "flac" format but, due to some kind of Amazon licensing deal, those of us in the US are only allowed to download it in the inferior MP3 format.

Great and touching lyrics.
Fantastic music & Orcastration.
Great variety of instruments and multicultral sound
Every arrangement is a history lesson.

... how to adequately describe how beautiful and sublime this album is. My tastes tend to run towards (much) heavier sounds with occasional forays into other (softer) music. I came to a complete stop with "An Ancient Muse" and couldn't get up until it was over. From the very first note until it's finish you will find yourself enveloped in a wonderful, musical dream.

Listening to any McKennitt is a musical journey of exploration and mysticism, mixing of east and west. I always feel like I am wandering with her when I listen to her unique arrangements and siren voice. This CD extends the extraordinary "The Mask and the Mirror" CD in a loving and sublime way. If you had not heard that album, you would think this is the best one. Consequently, I think it is lovely and enchanting, but does not go beyond "The Mask and Mirror" which was so revolutionary.

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

If you like Loreena, you should buy this album. Maybe not her best, but still an excellent piece of work. All tracks are good. I play it quite often. You cannot go wrong with ths CD.

An Ancient Muse is a must buy can't stop listening to it, if you want to relax this is it.

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

Peaceful, soothing and healing. Another fine album from a very gifted and talented artist. Many thanks to Loreena.

I found this product to be very inspiring and emotional. I listen to it expecially at night at bedtime. It is well orchestrated and I like the cultural diversity of Ms Mckennitt's music.

All I can say is Excellent! I would give more than 5 stars if it were possible.

After seeing this lady on PBS and then just having to get thie CD, I am a true convert! While I'm not crazy about the first cut on the disk, I am mesmerized by the remainder and have intrigued my co-workers with new choice of music in my office. Loreena has a most ethereal and soothing quality to her voice. I cannot wait to acquire more of her music.

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 ~ Instrumental Paradise Volume 8..A True Gem !

You may not think that music can change the mood of people in an Alzimers Unit. This music has done just that.The residents are a lot more relaxed when this music is played.I have even had a few ladies sway to the music.I have noticed that the residents eat better when this music is played.Most are over 75 years old so this music is for all ages.It does have a calming effect and the staff likes it too.

I like this new cd from Loreena. I have all her previous cd's but this one again is better. I always play her cd's when I need some rest in my head and this one is no exception. It's better then having therapy. Especially track 8 (Beneath a Phrygian sky) is wonderful but as always with beautiful tracks, far too short (it's 9.29 minutes!).

McKennitt is talented beyond belief! This is the best CD yet in her entire collection. Quite addictive actually!

One of the few real singer songwriters who are as compeling & mesmerizing in person as she is in the studio. Her music is transformative & if you get to see her perform live... You will be too.

I have been waiting for another CD from Loreena McKennitt. And it was well worth the wait.

This CD is just as beautiful and wonderful as all the rest of her CD's have been. She creates moments of bliss and wonderment.

Thanks, Loreena, for another wonderful CD.

The mystical sounds of Loreena continue! An artist I respect...for her music comes from the depths of her soul, her experiences and her research. Again, she offers us a glimpse of another time and space! She and her gifted musicians are a special treat!

I enjoy Méhdi, Enya Norah Jones Josh Groban etc. and this a magnificent production that I enjoy almost as much. "An Ancient Muse" differs ever so slightly from previously produced albums. The most profound difference is the progression of Moroccan musical influences. Which are stronger in "An Ancient Muse" than in any of her prior works. Yet there is something hauntingly familiar about each song ... each new melody is like an old friend s homecoming. The familiarity is enduring ... a Loreena McKennitt signature.

Also Recommended:Méhdi Instrumental Paradise Volume 8 A True Gem, Just Go Listen !

I'm a fan of all kinds of music - rock, rap, country, anything - but I also appreciate artists like Enigma, Sarah McLachlan, and Enya as well as Classical music and other stuff off the beaten path. I've heard "The Mummers Dance" on the radio and in the movie "Ever After" a long time ago, but haven't heard anything else from Loreena since then.

So, on a whim I bought this CD along with a few of her others just to try it out, and... I just can't stop listening to it! Out the 700-some CD's I own, THIS ONE... this one is a masterpiece, and has become an unlikely favorite for a rocker like me.

AMAZING instrumentation, lyricism, and harmonic quality just completely saturate every track. Loreena's voice is so perfectly in tune, and so effortlessly beautiful, so unique. Each track of this thematic album links together a story that takes place in ancient Persia that is so poetic, inspiring, and peaceful to hear in the form of a song. Her blend of instruments has matured since her first albums, and has arrived at a diverse harmony of both new and old style sounds that you just cannot hear anywhere else. While a departure from her lovely, melodic Celtic music, it's written to be very technically perfect and yet it comes together so naturally that you don't realize how appealing and relaxing it is at first.

Toward the end of the CD, before the d'enouement of the story, "Beneath a Phrygian Sky" will leave you stunned and wanting more. The seemingly random assortment of intstruments become made for each other and chime in against a rhythmic beat, as she brings you into a moving vision she has on a desert night. The poetry of the song will sweep you off your feet, and the cellist will bring tears to your eyes and send shivers up your spine. If there was ever such a thing as a "perfect" song, this is it. And, for me, that's saying something, especially for music that's completely outside of my normal range of listening.

Yes, it is that good. It's like nothing I've ever heard, and I love it. And, regardless of what you normally listen to, you will like it too. If you're interested enough to read the reviews and you're teetering...

BUY IT. RIGHT NOW.

Love, I loved, I really love this CD.
Listen to it, if not, you will loose a chance to listen a real good music.

I enjoy Méhdi, Enya, Norah Jones, Josh Groban etc. and this a magnificent production that I enjoy almost as much. "An Ancient Muse" differs ever so slightly from previously produced albums. The most profound difference is the progression of Moroccan musical influences. Which are stronger in "An Ancient Muse" than in any of her prior works. Yet, there is something hauntingly familiar about each song ... each new melody is like an old friend's homecoming. The familiarity is enduring ... a Loreena McKennitt signature!

I have always been a fan of Loreena McKennitt's and have long awaited this CD release and can say that I was not disappointed. It sounds quite similar to her last release, Book of Secrets, but is a CD unto itself with new sounds and new stories. As McKennitt herself put it at the concert promoting this CD it is a continuation of the journey and one worth owning. As a side note for any fan that enjoys her music and this CD it's even better live, so if the chance arises go and see her.

This album is similar to Book of Secrets, but still manages to be different. I think I'm addicted. The thing is, whenever I have an album of hers playing--whether it be at work, in the car, at home--and I have company around, they always ask me "Who is this? I love it!" They think the music is from India, the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, or Eastern Europe. But no, I tell them, this music hails from Canada! And that's that. I find this album just as inspiring as Book of Secrets and the other albums I have. This one is less Celtic and more Middle Eastern in tone and complexity. I enjoy listening to it while I'm studying, writing, or practicing yoga. Check it out, and check out Book of Secrets while you're at it. They're similar...but different.

Not as impressed with this CD as all her others. It's still good, but not ear grabbing!!

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 Loreena's other works, but still very unique. This is music to the soul. Absolutely relaxing, as well.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Méhdi ~ Instrumental Paradise Volume 8... A True Gem. Full Samples at SöothingMusic.Com ...Just go Listen!

I'd been looking and hoping for a new Loreena McKennitt CD for years. I'd given up hope. Stopped looking...

Then -- there in The Lyric (the Baltimore opera house) -- Loreena McKennitt on tour! First I bought the tickets. Then I bought AN ANCIENT MUSE.

Having moved on from my "new age" phase of some years back my head's been in different musical spaces: serious/wondrous jazz, guitar virtuosos, classical music... So when MUSE arrived... I was in the wrong "gear"...

But with a concert fast approaching I had to find the set list, compile my own iTunes version of the concert, "get ready." And what a world Loreena McKennitt weaves! Ahh... I'd forgotten...

MUSE has been on repeat all afternoon as I worked and thought about what to say. (Ahh... I'd forgotten...)

Once you're in the right musical head space -- world music not jazz, poems set to music not motif development upon development, etc. -- Loreena McKennitt stirs the heart like few others. For me it's her voice, the courage to set long poems to music, the richness of the instrumental sounds... and did I mention her voice?

Having devoured her earlier CDs -- I've got them all! -- I feel confident when I say AN ANCIENT MUSE is right up there with the best of them!

Enjoy... and feast your ears!

Dr. Kirtland C Peterson

Loreena McKennitt has managed to put out another great CD. This is a must for any Loreena's fans. Her music is still magical and her story telling is still fascinating!

A truly wonderful album. Mysterious and magical. one of my favorites. Another favorite of mine is Dreams & Visions by Mary-Kathryn. Devotional and spiritual, a beautiful inspired voice and various world influences make this new album a gem!

This is another stunningly beautiful album from Loreena McKennitt. Perhaps one of the reasons it took her so long to write and produce another album was because in 1998 Loreena's fiancé, Ronald Rees, and two others close to her, drowned during a boating accident. Loreena was deeply affected by the tragedy, founded the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund the same year, and released an album of two live performances called "Live in Paris and Toronto" in which all of the profits were donated to the fund. After this, she released no new recordings and performed only rarely until 2006, when she released this studio album, An Ancient Muse.

Loreena puts her heart and soul into every album and unlike Enya, writes her own lyrics (Enya's lyrics are written by Roma Ryan).

Bravo, Loreena! This album is more than worth the wait.

Ever since my first time listening to BOOK of SECRETS five years ago, I've been mesmorized by Loreena's beautiful voice and her creative style for poetic classics like Lady of Shalott and The Highwayman. Now after an almost ten year pause, Loreena delivers her angelic vocal and music talent vibrantly in AN ANCIENT MUSE with everything I've come to expect and hope for.

Listening to these pieces feels exactly as Loreena describes making them; like being on a journey through distant lands and ancient times. Among my favorites are CARAVANSERAI, THE ENGLISH LADYE AND THE KNIGHT (a brilliant recreation of Sir Walter Scott's poem of love and war through the Crusades), BENEATH A PHRYGIAN SKY, and NEVER-ENDING ROAD, a beautiful finishing piece that leaves you yearning for more as did DANTE'S PRAYER
in BOOK OF SECRETS.

Thanks again Loreena for sharing your beautiful talent with the world. I highly recommend this to anyone with an appreciation for great quality music.

Beautiful! This is music that will be liked by all who 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 Loreena's older works, but still very unique. This is music to the soul. Absolutely relaxing, as well.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Méhdi ~ Instrumental Paradise Volume 8 ... A True Gem... Full Samples at SöothingMusic.Com ... Just go Listen!

After ten year break, Loreena Mckennitt's "An Ancient Muse" is equally beautiful and inspiring as her last album. This music is really healing and the Middle-Eastern instruments really stand out in a superb way.

The return of Loreena McKennitt after nine long years was truly much anticipated by her friends and admirers. Those people who have come to love her music and cherish her songs over all these years expected her new album with great enthusiasm and a feeling that characterizes one who awaits a long missing friend of the heart.

And how justified and happy they were to find out that their hopes and wishes had come true with no less than this spectacular masterpiece. For that is what "An Ancient Muse" actually is. Loreena comes forward once again to astonish us, enchant us, make us participants of the magical journey of the psyche to realms untethered to mundane reasoning. She comes like the fairy of stories old, yet through a modern perspective, and invites us to a ceremony of mysticism and passion, Love, celebration and even sacrifice.

She lifts the veils of mysteries hitherto hidden, mysteries she found out in her search in the spiritual, the emotional, the historical and above all the musical world and she calls us, one more time, to share the secrets..

Listening to "An Ancient Muse" fills one with a sense of optimism - that same sense of purpose - a sense of mysticism and freshness, a feeling of being lost in the swirl of sounds and emotions and yet again of rising above them to become witness of eternal truths and unspoken realities.

To anyone familiar with Loreena's music this album will bring the joys of her previous works along with the beauty of her music's evolution through the years.
To the one who has not yet listened to Loreena's music, but is willing to give it a try, this album will surely be a revelation.

Yet another exceptional album by Loreena McKennitt. I cannot wait to see her live on her 2007 US tour! What a beautiful voice and music. Definitely a must own for any new age music fan.

Beautiful! This is a CD that will be liked by all who enjoy M E H D I, E N Y A or even Loreena's previous works. It is the very essence of good new age. 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 Celtic Women, but still very unique. This is music to the soul. Absolutely relaxing, as well.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: M E H D I ~ Instrumental Paradise Volume 8... A True Gem ... JUST GO LISTEN TO THE SAMPLES!

I ve waited sooooo long for her to finally come out with a new album since "the book of secrets"...and she doesnt dissapoint with this one. Im glad to see she continued to use middle eastern influences giving her music an exotic twist. As always, her music sends me into a world of reveries, wether it may be travelling across the sahara caravan style or finding myself walking the lush green grasslands of ireland. The only reason i wont give this album a 5 star is because to this date she can never top my all time favorite song "mystics dream" from the album "the mask and the mirror". I only hope now...that she wont take this long to come out with her next album. If you liked her previous albums "the mask and the mirror, and the book of secrets" you will love this one.