A Firm Foundation
The liner notes tell us that it was only after Loreena McKennitt had intensively studied and deeply imbibed the Celtic tradition that she felt confident enough to take her own first halting musical steps. Well here they are on Elemental and they are truly more exalted than halting.
My journey through the work of Loreena McKennitt started several years ago with The Book of Secrets and I have since followed her career both backward and forward. I picked this CD up on sale at a favorite Encinitas music store and it has since only added to my enjoyment of her work.
On this, you can hear how her study of Celtic music and lore has paid off. Her voice is angelic, even haunting, and her mastery of the material can only be described as virtuoso. My favorites here are the mesmerizing Stolen Child, the mournful Carrighfergus, and the lush instrumental The Lark In The Clear Air.
Since most of this CD is not McKennitt's own work I give it only four stars though I am tempted to rate it five. Even so, when you listen to Elemental, you will hear that with it she has built a solid foundation upon which her talents can construct the musical wonderland that her oeuvre has become.
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