Dreamcatcher [EXTRA TRACKS]

Secret Garden

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 22, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 22, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00005J9UN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,529 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Dreamcatcher, not listed as a greatest-hits collection, is made up of previously recorded works. Secret Garden, Irish violinist Fionnuala (fi-NOO-la) Sherry, and Norwegian pianist/keyboardist Rolf Lovland, along with various guest musicians, always manage to surprise and execute their craft with a remarkable gracefulness of sound. Lush, rich, full-bodied, and passionate, Secret Garden stands eye-to-eye with other successful Celtic/world-music hybrids such as Loreena McKennitt and Clannad. Highlighted by the ethereal vocal styling of Gunnhild Tvinnereim ("Nocturne") and the tender laments of Karen Matheson ("Prayer"), Secret Garden weaves a mystical tapestry of classic Oriental notes, Irish flutes, deep bodhran, and bold violins. With the crystalline quality of pure water, Secret Garden descends over one's spirit in a tranquil waterfall of renewal, as demonstrated in "Sigma" and "Songs from a Secret Garden." "Elan," which originally appeared on the album Dawn of a New Century, reflects the fire that burns at the heart of Secret Garden. The song soars with a wild, sea-swept energy, a true soundscape of white-sand beach and blue sky. A bonus cut, "Last Present," closes out Dreamcatcher with a simple, balanced melody--poised and inspiring. Dreamcatcher, a collection of some of the best musical moments of Secret Garden, is a fine acknowledgement of an inventive group of musicians who are consistently setting a high and impressive standard in modern Celtic/New Age music. --Leslie R. Marini

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Introduction to Secret Garden, May 25, 2001

By	Timothy Slomka (Novi, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unlike the previous reviewer, I was very much aware that this was a compilation album and not the new studio album which is due this fall. I also would have to ask the burning question, how can one lose one's creativity when you release a compilation album? Isn't the point of a compilation album to release previously released materials? With that being said, the only new material on the album is the final track entitled "The Present," which was written by a Korean artist for a movie soundtrack. It is not a bad track, however, to those who have heard their previous works, it is clear that it is not at the same level as their songs that they wrote themselves.

For those that have never heard or bought any of the Secret Garden's previous releases, this is a great way to introduce yourself to a great instrumental band. For those, like myself, who already own all three Secret Garden albums and just has to own everything by this group, the new track will get some play, but I think most will favor the older songs to the new.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications, November 5, 2001

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

"Dreamcatcher" is a "best of" compilation of eighteen tracks from Secret Garden's first three albums plus one new "bonus" track recorded for an upcoming feature film in Korea. If Secret Garden is new to you, this is a great introduction to this exciting duo. Longtime fans will be delighted to find their favorites on one CD. "Dreamcatcher" truly indicates the range and versatility of Fionnuala Sherry and Rolf Lovland as composers as well as musicians. Drawing on influences from Celtic, Norwegian folk, new age, and classical music, Secret Garden's pieces tend to be on the melancholy, bittersweet side, but the rousing anthem "Dawn of a New Century" proves that this group has no limitations or boundaries. From breathy, ethereal vocals to various instrumental ensembles big and small to full-blown symphonic pieces, this CD will both soothe and excite, and will take the listener on a satisfying musical journey. Highly recommended!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For those who need an introduction to Secret Garden, December 22, 2001

By	Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This was recommended to me as an Enyalike recording, and I do believe that Enya fans will respond to it. There is the same Celtic flavor, and over all the ethereal beauty of the singing. For those who already have Secret Garden CD's, you may prefer buying the others, because you won't find much new on this. But for those who haven't yet tried these artists, and are into Celtic new age music, music that you can sit and dream or meditate to, or just thoroughly enjoy, this CD is most highly recommended.