Holly & The Ivy - Loreena McKennitt, McKennitt, Loreena
Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle
The Seven Rejoices of Mary
Noël Nouvelet!
Good King Wenceslas - Loreena McKennitt, Neale, John Mason
Coventry Carol [Live]
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen [Abdelli Version]
Snow - Loreena McKennitt, Lampman, Archibald
Breton Carol
Seeds of Love - Loreena McKennitt, McKennitt, Loreena
Gloucestershire Wassail
Emmanuel
In the Bleak Midwinter - Loreena McKennitt, Holst, Gustav
2008 release. On her first full-length holiday album, Loreena celebrates the season with a CD that blends the five songs from A Winter Garden (1995) with eight new recordings inspired by seasonal favorites. 13 tracks inclu... more »ding 'The Holly & The Ivy', 'Good King Wenceslas', 'Seeds Of Love', 'Coventry Carol' and more.« less
2008 release. On her first full-length holiday album, Loreena celebrates the season with a CD that blends the five songs from A Winter Garden (1995) with eight new recordings inspired by seasonal favorites. 13 tracks including 'The Holly & The Ivy', 'Good King Wenceslas', 'Seeds Of Love', 'Coventry Carol' and more.
"A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM is a mix of old and new Christmas songs from Loreena McKennitt. Loreena essentially took A WINTER GARDEN and released it under another name and added eight more songs to create a sumptuous listening experience to put the listener into the Christmas spirit. As a long time fan of Loreena McKennitt's music, A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM was a must have for this fan. Loreena could have easily put together a cheesy traditional Christmas album of old Christmas standards but she doesn't. Instead she carefully chose which songs she wanted to put on A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM. There were a few songs that I wasn't familiar but the beauty of the melodies and Loreena's hypnotic vocals made the listening experience very enjoyable. I loved the instrumental "Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle". The melodies had me within seconds. Another wonderful track is "Good King Wenceslas". I think Loreena's version is my personal favorite of all the versions I have heard over the years. I love how the cover art for A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM is anything but traditional. All of the songs on the album are wondeful. I really do appreciate the fact that Loreena did not opt to make your standard Christmas album with "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger". That would have been too predictable. Some people might not be happy about it but I'm not one of those people. Once again, Loreena provides for her fans stunning artwork for her cd. I love the uniqueness in the imagery she chose. A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM is a definite must have for Loreena McKennitt fans. This is one Christmas cd I will be listening to all year round."
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Thomas S. Sadler | 11/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"O Come O Come Emmanuel. What an overwhelming tapestry of sound. The lovely rich combination of Loreena's voice accompanied by Caroline Lavelle on cello and Hugh Marsh's violin has never been more powerful. Over the years Loreena McKennitt has assembled an outstanding group of back-up musicians and they are at their best here. For several years now the Abdelli version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen has been a Christmas favourite of mine. Yes, it is repeated here, along with several others, all of them worthy, but there are also many gorgeous new recordings. I just have to tear myself away from Emmanuel long enough to appreciate the others. Believe me, it is not easy."
Creative, lovely interpretations.
Greg | Brooklyn Park, Mongolia | 11/04/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Some people bring their own style to old masterpieces and it just ends up sounding goofy, but on this album, McKennitt puts a distinctive stamp on some favorites and gives them fresh life. Several of the songs are so good that I've stopped thinking of this as a holiday CD (I'm an infidel anyway) and just consider it a fine collection of world-influenced music (the temptation is to call it "Celtic," but some of the percussion comes much closer to Middle Eastern, so I'll use the vaguer "world"). As a bonus, I'd be remiss if I didn't compliment the wonderful artwork on the cover and liner notes. I would be thrilled to give (or get) Christmas cards that attractive, and if it's not already, I hope someone thinks to do something more with these paintings--posters, ornaments, something. Really very handsome to look to at."
Heavenly
ADMAN | Manlius, NY | 11/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I adore Lorenna McKennitt. I started listening to her about 12 years ago and there is no one that even comes close to her. I also love Christmas music. I have just under 100 Christmas CDs and this was my instant favorite. Emmanuel is incredibly simple and incredibly beautiful. Thanks Lorenna. PLEASE keep writing and recording!"
Dreams of Peace; Dreams by FireLight
Montague Whitsel | Western Pennsylvania | 11/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When the music started, I stopped; and I didn't get up again until the last tune had run its course. I was mesmerized, and felt as though I had been taken on a journey through the icons of the Winter Solstcie Season. I was a fan of "A Winter's Garden," and have always wondered what a new full length CD from Ms. Mckennitt would be like; now I know. _And this CD was definitely worth waiting for -- it is a tapestry of poignant emotions, sensual touchstones and richly imbued musical artistry that has not a single cliched "holiday" tune on it. The five pieces from the earlier CD are integrated into a new playlist that does not merely bookend the old line-up with new songs. There are two instrumentals on the CD, ("Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle" and "Breton Carol"), both with interesting instrumentation and arranement. There is an a capella tune -- "Gloucestershire Wassail" that provides an unexpected punctuation in the line-up. The version of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" sung in Latin is full of a joyful melancholy--just as it should be. Overall, I get a deep sense of beauty and peace from the CD, and I imagine I will have many Christmas dreams while listening to it, as the Winter Solstice comes and goes. I highly recommend it."