Editorial Review:

Album Details:
BONUS DVD (PAL)

Amazon.com essential recording:
McKennitt's recordings always have the quality of a spiritual sojourn; her songs are those of a seeker, whether she's setting Yeats, Scripture, or her own words to her compositions. It's this that attracts people to her music, and The Book of Secrets is no exception, whether it's the lazy rhythms of 'Marco Polo,' the sober joy of 'The Mummers' Dance,' the poignancy of 'Skellig' or 'Dante's Prayer,' or the drama of Alfred Noyes's 'The Highwayman.' 'The Highwayman' is a particularly strong effort, especially in comparison to her earlier setting of 'The Lady of Shalott'; McKennitt has become much more skilled at musical narrative. This is music that can be enjoyed on many levels, from McKennitt's growing skill as a composer to the deeper questions posed by her lyrics. --Genevieve Williams

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Disc 1:

1. Prologue
2. The Mummers' Dance
3. Skellig
4. Marco Polo
5. The Highwayman
6. La Serenissima
7. Night Ride Across the Caucasus
8. Dante's Prayer

Rating: - * Beautiful!!!!!!!! ... I bought this CD for the song "Dante's Prayer" but fell in love with the the entire CD and all the music of Loreena McKennitt. Dante's Prayer is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. I am not exaggerating at all. Loreens's music is like food to the soul. I bought other CD's by Loreena McKennitt and they are all great and well worth buying. "The Book Of Secrets" is still my very favorite. Great for relaxing. Let Loreena take you back to a time when chivalry and romance was at it's peak. Enjoy poetry by Tennyson and other great poets and feel them like never before with the heavenly voice of Loreena McKennitt. Rating: - * The Book of Secrets ... Loreena McKennitt is one of the least known Irish folk singers while being one of the best. I've known about her for about 10 years and have several of her cd's. I first heard her while listening to an Irish radio station on the internet and heard her sing "The Highwayman" which is an epic poem. I was blown away and HAD to have that cd and after hearing the rest of the music on it, have become a big fan. Take a chance and you will not be disappointed. Rating: - * A classic ... I love how with every album Loreena McKennitt puts out, her album is the results of her travels all over the world. On her album THE BOOK OF SECRETS (which would be her last studio album for several years before AN ANCIENT MUSE), Loreena explores the history of the celts. When I listen to the cd, I feel like I am getting a history lesson in celtic history. I like that Loreena writes music that is never insulting or trite.Although the album version of "The Mummer's Dance" is a far cry from the radio version, it is nonetheless still a joy to listen to. The album version is longer and slower while the radio versoin is shorter and more upbeat. Me thinks radio wanted a version that would appeal to a broader audience. If that was the case it worked but unfortunately it made people expect that version to be found on THE BOOK OF SECRETS. My personal favorite track on the album is the haunting ballad "Dante's Prayer" which was inspired by a trip across Siberia during one winter on a train, and the book DANTE'S INFERNO. I lke how minimal the use of instruments are on this particular track, allowing Loreena's warm voice to be the center of attention. The rest of the album is just as wonderful. The richly detailed lyrics and the lush, haunting celtic melodies makse for a wonderful combination. THE BOOK OF SECRETS have really grown on me over the years and is now a steadfast favorite in my itunes library and stereo. Rating: - * Loreena is wonderful! ... The only disappointment I had was that the CD contains a different version of "The Mummer's Dance" than is heard on the radio. I much prefer that version but otherwise her music is beautiful! Her lovely voice and the lush instrumentation make for a very enjoyable listening experience. Rating: - * Sensational! ... When you want to chill out, this is the music you need. It is very soothing to the soul.