My favorite album of all time
THE MASK AND MIRROR is the very first compact disc that I bought. I was a senior in high school when I bought it. I fell in love with Loreena McKennitt's music when I first heard "All Soul's Night" on a local radio station which has totally been hijacked by the commercialization of Clear Channel. At the time I couldn't find THE VISIT which the song could be found on, I opted for THE MASK AND MIRROR and since then I have been an avid fan of Loreena's music.

On THE MASK AND MIRROR, Loreena takes her listeners on a journey through Spain and Morocco. It is evident in the sumptuous melodies. The songs themselves is mostly composed by Loreena herself but she does adapt the occasional poem/story and turn it into a beautiful song. One of my personal favorite songs by Loreena is "The Bonny Swans". It is a traditional tale of a young woman who is about to get married who ends up being pushed into the river by her own sister over a man, and eventually drowns. The young woman first comes back as a swan and then as a harp. Looking back at it now, the song is rather morbid even for Loreena's brand of music but it is a beautiful song that I never get tired of listening to. Another wonderful song that I love is "Santiago". It just has Loreena McKennitt vocalizing but it is a great song. I fell in love with the song even more so when I saw her on last year's PBS special. I love the uptempo beat the song has. It always gets my toes tapping. The ballads "The Dark Night of the Soul" and "Full Circle" sends chills down my spine with their gentle melodies and haunting lyrics.

After fourteen years since its release, I am amazed how well THE MASK AND MIRROR has aged well. The music remains a timeless fixture for me on my stereo as well as my ipod. Loreena's legacy will be that she created beautiful music to be enjoyed by everyone of all ages

One of her best
Its hard to pick which Loreena Mckennit album is my favorite, each CD she produces is more beautiful then the next. Loreena Mckennit has such a talent for writing, composing and vocals. This album is no exception. On this album she takes us on a trip to a Marrakech night market, to 16th century Spain, and beyond. The music is rich in world influences. Each song is a tapastry of beautiful text, either written by Mckennit, or chosen by her. She has a tendency to travel and write about where ever she has traveled, and bring us into her world through her music. I wholey recommend this album, five stars!!!

Not Mask and Mirror
When it arrived the Cd case was correct but inside was The Visit instead, which I already had. It was also scrtached badly. When I attempted to contact the seller and I returned it, it came back Box Closed. Amazon refunded me.

Another "Must-Have" by Loreena McKennitt
I just don't know how this lady does this! Every one of her releases is a "gotta have it" disc! Time after time, no exceptions.

Perhaps because of the careful attention put into them (they seem to be no closer than 2-3 years apart), perhaps it's because OF this distance, when one is "waiting for another", I don't know. What I DO know is that there is NOT ONE of this musician's albums unworthy of shelf space in your collection.

Always mystical, haunting, light, lovely, ethereal...the list could go on!
Everyone at least owes themselves a "good" listen to her at least a couple of times even if they end up not purchasing her albums. She is, to me, somebody you would live without ever knowing she or her output existed, but once listened to, she is someone you want "near" to you and your heart, thus the necessity to own these shiny little discs of her works!

As all her releases, this is a "composed through" album, a homogeneous set. As I've stated before, perhaps this is why her music stays with you in your mind long after hearing it, but I am not sure. All I know is that her voice, her music, and the orchestrations of it, will go right through you to your heart......there are few artists who can do this. Lucky for us, she is here, now, and we benefit greatly from her work(s).

Again, pick up this album, take it home, grab some cookies and a cup of Earl Gray, turn down the lights, or off completely, and let the music here wash over you and repair you from your day. ~operabruin

A Real Gem
If you like music that paints a lush soundscape, you will love this CD. Unlike Enya, Loreena McKennitt is also a very good story teller. This is my favorite release of her's. The first 4 tracks are all magnificent. The last 4 aren't quite as strong, however, by then it is much too late to walk away from this gem.