Secret Garden - Dawn of a New Century

Secret Garden's formula is plain to hear. They have the lush string orchestrations of Yanni, the layered vocals of Clannad and Enya, and the stage-show Celtica of Riverdance. In the past these elements have weighed down the music of Irish violinist Fionuala Sherry and Norwegian keyboardist Rolf Lovland with a sweetness that would make tiramisu taste like poi. On Dawn of a New Century, they finally dance closer to the line that divides schlock from serenity, beauty from the banal. Capercaillie singer Karen Matheson gives a haunting vocal performance on "Prayer," surrounded by Clannad-like harmonies. "Children of the River" is a cinematic expanse with Asian overtones, while "Lore of the Loom" swoops through orchestral landscapes that could be Ireland or Norway. But there's also the hokey faux-Baroque of "Divertimento" and the title piece, which could stand in for "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing." --John Diliberto Amazon.com

Creating a Secret Garden playlist/CD

Rather than reviewing any single album, I'd rather learn/know which 2 or 3 CD's of a group I should buy, to compile the best possible collection in a playlist or CD. For Secret Garden, the answer is clear: Dawn of New Century, and White Stones. From DONC, I included Prayer, Drremcatcher, Moongate, Sona, Evensong (a version I custom-edited, using the Audacity software), In Our Tears, Aquarell, and Aria, in that order. I followed that with, from the WS album, Hymn to Hope, First Day of Spring, Passacaglia, Sanctuary, Home, Illumination, and Celebration.
The combination is one of the finest CD's/playlist I have ever found, heard, or created. It's the perfect romantic gift. My wife and I both love it, and friends we've shared it with also love it. It's absolutely perfect for making dinner together (or with the kids), listening to while working, a hot tub session, and bedtime. I simply can't praise it more highly than that. But you'll need both albums ... September 12, 2008

Excellent CD

Really enjoy this CD. It is the first Secret Garden I have purchased and am not disappointed. September 1, 2008

Never to old to enjoy great music

I discovered this group on Public Television, they performed at the telethon fund raiser then were giving away copies of the CD with a pledge. I have gone thru 3 more copies, my kids keep stealing them from me. Hauntingly beautiful music. Great vocals and full rich sound. PFM February 26, 2008

Dawn of a New Century - Secret Garden

I loved it from beginning to end. I love the celetic flavor of the artists. I find it inspirational. August 14, 2007

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

The music on this is haunting and delicious. Out of the vocal selections, "Prayer" is just fabulous. I cannot stop playing it. I have four CDs from Secret Garden and this one rivals their first. May 23, 2007

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