Customer Reviews

A Night With Secret Garden

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For the uninitiated, "Secret Garden" is the fantastic duo of Rolf Lovland, (composer, keyboards), and Fionnuala Sherry (violin). He's Norwegian, she's Irish, and together, they have created some of the most remarkably heartfelt and melodic music of recent years. Combining elements of celtic, classical, new age, and pop, this is music for the romantic visionary. That said, let it be known that this DVD is an extraordinary look at the group, on and off stage. In addition to the hour and a half concert, (which I believe is 30 minutes longer than the VHS version of the same show), you also get 2 different thirty-minute documentaries, a complete discography with brief audio samples of every track on the albums, 2 music videos, biographies, photo gallery, an optional running narrative for the concert, and a really cool 3-D animated intro before any of the above comes on the screen. The concert itself is nothing short of phenomenal. If you are a fan of their albums, rest assured that nothing is lost in the transition of these songs to a "live" setting. (Yes, the original CDs made use of a full orchestra, but the smaller one used in the concert is equally effective. Choral group, "Anuna", makes an appearance, as well.) I love to see an artist become totally "lost in the moment" during a performance, and that's what you are treated to, here. It's obvious that Rolf and Fionnuala love what they do. With a complete concert, and so many "extras" included, this is truly a bargain. I can't recommend it highly enough. By the way, the track listing included on a previous review was not complete, and was probably based on the VHS version. Here is the complete song listing for the DVD version: 1. Intro 2. The Rap 3. Song from a Secret Garden 4. Pastorale 5. Children of the River 6. Sigma 7. Nocturne 8. Steps 9. Passacaglia 10. Sona 11. Poeme 12. Moving 13. Adagio 14. Windancer 15. In Our Tears 16. Elan 17. Prayer 18. Heartstrings 19. Dreamcatcher 20. Celebration 21. Ode to Simplicity 22. Hymn to Hope 23.Dawn of a New Century

I have barely owned this DVD 48 hours and cannot put it down. Everything about it is just amazing. Some of the most incredible music ever done is on this. This is well worth your time if you appreciate beautiful music. The concert and DVD format is first class. The reviewer who is complaining about the "muted singing" is off base....they need to turn up the volume. There is nothing wrong with the sound in any of this. This is one of the best DVD's I have ever seen. Buy it and enjoy it.

I am also baffled by the poor reviews I read here especially since they say they like Secret Garden. So I just had to comment on this. To say it is near CD quality is way off base. Maybe it's time for you to get a new sound system. I've had this DVD for over a year (or two?) and played it many times to the enjoyment of family and friends. The 5.1 surround is excellent as well as the sound quality of the music and vocals. It's Secret Garden at their best and I highly reccomend it.

I owned this Secret Garden DVD for a week now and I just can't put it down, I have to watch it every night! After watching this DVD, I went out and buy all their first 3 albums(Songs from a Secret Garden,White Stones and Dawn of a New Cenury), the music is that good... How can you not embrace songs like Poeme, Hymn to Hope, Passacaglia, Sona,Dawn of a New Century (and others). These songs keep playing in my head while I am at work, I just can't get enough of them, it's insane! The picture and sound is real DVD quality, so clear and so precise. Excellent arrangement on stage from a small orchestra and with guests like Anuna and Karen Matheson, you just can't go wrong. The DVD features 2 small behind the scenes about the making of their first 3 albums and some other interesting articles.I wish they have the song "Illumination" included in there since it has such a beautiful and haunting melody. This song ranks on top of my list, along with Poeme and Passacaglia. If you like New Age music in general, then this Secret Garden DVD must be part of your collection along with Yanni's Tribute DVD.

Beg, borrow (or hire:) this DVD. Anyone that has the been captured by Finnoula and Rolf's music should get this DVD. There are two interesting documentaries as well as the 2 hour concert and 2 videos, etc.

WARNING: You will probably end up buying Karen Matheson CDs (from the scottish group "Capercallie") after watching her sing "Prayer". Brilliant. :))

This is a wonderful addition to my DVD Music Collection. I loved every minute of the concert, as well as the documentaries. The music content is also absolutely amazing. Buy it, you won't regret it!

Assuming this is the DVD of the concert performed by the new age group Secret Garden, then this is great! From the PBS web site: The program aired as part of a August 1999 pledge. Songs performed:

"The Rap" "Sona" "Song from a Secret Garden" "In Our Tears" "Children of the River" "Elan" "Sigma" "Heartstrings" "Nocturne" "Celebration" "Moving" "Steps" "Dawn of a New Century"

I watched it on PBS, but don't own this DVD (on it's way!). I remember the performance quality of their older songs being better in the video than on their first CD! These guys are fantastic. It isn't mentioned anywhere, but I *think* Mars Lasar is on keyboards in the background. (If you don't know who Mars is, then you need to look him up! His album Eleventh Hour is choice.)

--Phil

As others have so eloquently stated here this DVD will be the
crème-de-la-crème in your collection.

I've owned the DVD for over six months and simply cannot
stop listening/watching.

Every second of this flawless production is filled with beauty -
a heartfelt performance.

Since I turned off television in August 2001, I have these wonderful hours to fill with something besides advertising and freak shows (as in today's television programming). So I alternate between the internet and DVDs. This DVD is the first one I have purchased and it is something I am very glad that I own. The music of course is what good music should be if you are of the classical, soothing type of music lover. The DVD intersperses performances with commentary on the artists. It is nicely paced between each. The only negative is the name dropping of Barbra Steisand. Who cares? I would rather get to know the Norwegians better and forget fame by association!!!

This is a must have DVD to add to your collection. With 23 songs and so many other features included, it's definately worth every single penny. Their performance is just so beautiful that it makes you wish that you can actually be there to see it live.