Loreena McKennitt is a woman with a unique style and a small but faithful following. Born in Canada, McKennitt has traveled the world and used what she has seen to inspire her gorgeous yet ghostly melodies. From renditions of classical poems like The Highwayman to songs recounting historical events to original compositions highlighting folklife, McKennitt manages to bring a refined yet mystical sound to her artisty.
Her music intertwines Celtic and Arabian styles, which is what caught my ear and first encouraged me to gravitate toward her music. Having been a fan of groups such as Blackmore's Night, it wasn't that far of stretch to fall in love with Loreena McKennitt. The first album I ever purchased of hers was Book of Secrets, which contains many of my favorite songs. I love the international flavor of her music, but at the same time greatly appreciate her historical accuracy in some stories. I enjoyed reading her journal entries (written in both English and French) where she described her travels and what inspired some of her music.
Have you fallen in love with Loreena McKennitt's music? Or have you yet to try it? I highly recommend you take a listen. The Highway Man is a favorite of mine, as is Skellig and The Mummers Dance. Of course she does beautiful renditions of classic Celtic songs too, like The Parting Glass, Star of the County Down and other such songs.
What do you love about her music? How were you introduced? Do you have any songs that you would like to hear her do a cover for?
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Posted : January 23, 2013 1:44 pm
I haven't listened to a lot of her music, but her musical settings for poems like "The Highwayman" and "The Lady of Shallott," along with her renditions of Shakespearean verses, have made me enjoy her music that I have heard.
My favorite song of Loreena McKennitt's is "Lady of Shallott," followed by "Dark Night of the Soul." I also really like "The Highwayman"; I am partly drawn that one and "Lady of Shallott" because of their use in the old Anne of Green Gables TV films. "Dark Night of the Soul" is based on a poem by St. John of the Cross, and despite some of the word changes McKennitt makes, it captures the tone and theme of the poem very well.
*makes a note to check out more of McKennitt's music*
"All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you..."
Inexhaustible Inspiration
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Posted : January 24, 2013 5:49 am
I can't remember first where I encountered Mummers Dance, but it was on a compilation CD, and then eventually I looked up music to see if the rest of her work was like that... and I wound up getting Book of Secrets from the library, eventually followed by Elemental, The Mask and the Mirror etc. 
I find her musical renditions of famous poems hauntingly beautiful. In addition to the ones already mentioned by Wren and stwin, "Stolen Child" is one of my favorites.
Oh! And her Christmas album is fabulous too. 
We have hands that fashion and heads that know,
But our hearts we lost - how long ago! -- G. K. Chesterton
Posted : January 28, 2013 2:47 pm
My first exposure to Loreena McKennitt was through the Highlander movie and TV franchise *ducks tomatoes*
Her recording of the traditional Irish lament "Bonny Portmore" (here's a lovely live performance) appeared in Highlander III (1994) and was one of the highlights of that sequel. (The song, recorded by another artist, was later featured in several episodes of the TV show).
I've since begun listening to other songs online. Great stuff!
But all night, Aslan and the Moon gazed upon each other with joyful and unblinking eyes.
Posted : February 6, 2013 1:56 pm
My first memories of Loreena McKennitt were listening to her music on car rides when I was little. 
The first time I remember hearing Parallel Dreams was while driving in the dark with my dad, and The Visit is connected especially to drives to the city and back.
I think her music is beautiful, and I love how she deals with a lot of literary music, such as, of course, "The Highwayman" and "The Lady of Shalott" and then "Penelope's Song", which I believe is original. Then there are the old ballads too, and more original compositions.
And it's very hard for me to pick favourites, so I don't think I'll try. 
But, I got her The Wind that Shakes the Barley for Christmas, and I'm particularly enjoying "The Star of the County Down" and "Brian Boru's March" from it.
Some days you battle yourself and other monsters. Some days you just make soup.
Posted : February 18, 2013 2:30 pm
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