Customer Reviews

Songs From a Secret Garden

5 star:		(150)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I first heard "Songs from a Secret Garden" playing in a music store eight years ago, and I was entranced from the very first note. The music was a blend of classical, Celtic and Norwegian, a stunning combination of piano, violin, orchestra and voice. It was unlike anything I'd ever heard before: deeply moving, relaxing, meditative, a journey to a secret garden, perfect music for reflection on a rainy day.

Secret Garden is made up of Norwegian composer Rolf Lovland on piano and Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry. They have since released four other CDs: "White Stones," "Dawn of a New Century," "Dreamcatcher" (a best-of compilation taken from the first three releases), and "Once in a Red Moon," but for me "Songs from a Secret Garden" remains their masterpiece. It is by turns gentle, romantic, melancholy, playful and joyous. There is a Celtic element on some of the songs ("Sigma," with an Irish-language chorus and a boy soprano, "The Rap,"), but it is not as marked as their later releases, which to me sound like Riverdance imitations and have lost all of the "Secret Garden" magic for me. "Nocturne" features the stunning vocals of Gunnhild Tvinnereim, and this was the song that first catapulted Secret Garden to fame (it won the 1995 Eurovision song contest for Norway). My other favourite songs from the collection are "Songs from a Secret Garden" and "Sigma."

(I was lucky enough to pick up a copy of the sheet music to "Songs from a Secret Garden" and I play selections from it every day. The foreword is in English and Norwegian, and there are additional notes by Rolf regarding performance tips and inspirations behind the songs. If you play piano, this is a worthy investment for a Secret Garden fan. The collection features all thirteen songs from "Songs from a Secret Garden" and is available at their official website at www.secretgarden.no)

This is still a very popular album even though it was released in 1994: it is one of BMG Music Club's top-selling classical CDs, Barbara Streisand did a cover of "Heartstrings" for her wedding, adding lyrics and renaming it "I've Dreamed of You," and some of my favourite places in Québec City use "Songs from a Secret Garden" as background music (Aux Anciens Canadiens, 34 Rue Saint-Louis, Domaine Steinbach, 2205, chemin Royal
Saint-Pierre de l'Īle d'Orléans).

This is the only CD I reach for after a long day. The stress just melts away and my spirits are lifted instantly. "Songs from a Secret Garden" is perfect for anyone seeking a quiet moment in their lives, a moment to reflect, dream, love, and explore their own secret garden.

This CD never fails to relax me after a lousy day at work. It is always soothing, not one harsh note or jarring moment. Even the more up-tempo "The Rap", the only really lively tune on the album, is a joyful celebration of life.

When I was choosing a selection of CDs to play during my son's waterbirth, I didn't hesitate to include this one for its calming, gentle sounds to help both my wife and myself to relax. Jonathan was introduced to the world with the beautiful strains of Secret Garden.

This is soul food. If you need to let it all out, this is the music.

After hearing "Nocturne" on a local classical station I knew I HAD to pick this CD up. "Nocturne" is such an incredible acheivement, and being a songwriter myself, wish I could write something half as good. With Rolf Lovland on piano and Fionnuala Sherry on violin, the music to this song makes me weep with joy. Gunnhild Tvinnereim, the featured vocalist on "Nocturne", has one of the purest voices I have ever heard. The rest of the CD is almost as beautiful, and has the underpinings of both Norwegian and Celtic culture. Many times, listening to this fabulous music, I can picture myself on a cliff overlooking the wide, expansive Atlantic ocean, and each song brings to mind a different atmosphere to become part of.

In a world of stress and noise I have found a CD so quieting, therapeutic, and rhapsodic that I can't get enough. I first heard it while getting a massage and found it so soothing that I went out right away to buy it. Almost every one of the tracks are this way. Money verrrry well spent. I'm giving some as Xmas gifts.

I learned about this CD after reading about how Barbara Streisand heard the original instrumental version of what later became, "I've dreamed of you," the first song in her newest CD, "A Love Like Ours." She described hearing this lovely melody in a restaurant in Ireland and was so captivated by its beauty that later she asked Ann Hampton Callaway to write a lyric to it. She sang "I've dreamed of you" to her husband on their wedding day. I found the CD, Songs from a Secret Garden, thanks to Amazon.com. I ordered three CD's, they arrived yesterday and I haven't listened to anything since. This music is all that the other reviewers say it is and more. I plan to order more today. Each Christmas we select one CD and send it to many of our friends. Without a doubt, this will be our selection for 2000.

Perfect candlelit dinner music. My husband and I often sit on the sofa running our fingers thru each other's hair, falling in love all over again as we listen. A seductive collection; as you're listening to this delicious assortment of classical/modern dream music you'll truly feel alive.

The haunting voice in the first song, Nocturne, will lull you into a free-floating state of being. As you continue to listen to such lovely pieces as sensual Sigma and sweet Adagio, you'll find yourself in another world. Your senses will spring alive to the riveting pulse of The Rap. And, to complete the enticing package, you'll end with the delicate Ode to Simplicity.

I strongly recommend buying this CD for yourself. I also recommend giving it to a new mom at a baby shower (it's wonderful lullaby music), to a newlywed couple along with a bottle of scented massage oil or to anyone who's ill. This is by-far the most stress-relieving and relaxing CD I've ever owned. Sure to become a classic among your collection. So, light some incense, slip into a fuzzy bathrobe and sip some wine as you slip away...

I'm not typically a fan of new age style music, and I have to admit that I received this CD by mistake from a music club. I was too lazy to return it; so I just stuck it in my CD collection expecting to never listen to it. Eventually, it went into my CD player, and I was surprised by its beauty. The group consists of composer and pianist Rolf Lovland and Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry. As a newbie to this genre, I'm not sure what I would compare their sound to - perhaps a bit of Enya mixed with light piano jazz and a touch of Clannad. It reminds me vaguely of the music from "Titanic," although somewhat gentler. Their songs incorporate a number of instruments, generally supporting the piano and violin. Some songs include lovely vocals by the Irish National Chamber Choir. Secret Garden definitely have an Irish sound, but not overwhelmingly so. Obviously, I stumbled on this CD by accident, but it's been a nice addition to my collection. I think that this CD would appeal to many people who like contemporary classical music - highly recommended.

Songs from a Secret Garden is a collection of Classical/Celtic/New Age music that will make you want to cry, sing, and just bask in the warm sun all at the same time. I came across this CD while I was surfing through Amazon, and saw a link to here from a Loreena Mckennitt Amazon page. I played the first clip (NOCTURNE) on my real player and was inthralled with utter beauty of it. I went to the next clip...and had the same experience etc etc. I ordered it immediately, and let me tell you...this CD is so calming and medidtative to the body and spirit, that I think everyone needs to own this! Some say this CD lacks quality, but I strongly dissagree. This CD will be a great buy for anyone! Get it, and enjoy the hauntingly peaceful beauty of it! If you buy this, this music will be the gardener of your heart.

Overwhelming in beauty. Soothing to the soul and nourishment for the heart. I fall asleep to it every night. It expresses love when your being overflows and words don't even come close.

This is the most relaxing and beautiful music you will ever hear. After a long day it is just the right thing. You won't be disappointed.