When neoclassical music was gaining its fans and becoming more than an alternative genre, there was a popular musician who did the musical score for a film based on the book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It was quite a departure for Diamond, who was known for songs such as, “Hot August Night,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” But it was a beautiful album and it deserves a place within the ranks of neoclassical music.

The music of this album is free, flowing, and fully involves the listener. If you are familiar with the book, listen to it, and close your eyes; you will feel yourself fly just like Jonathan did, attempting to go higher and higher. It is some of the best contemporary instrumental music I have ever heard.

The lyrics to the few pieces of music that require vocals are quite reflective of the book as well. I believe that Jonathan brought about a change in the way many people approached philosophy; whether that is good or not is certainly up to the individual. But I love the lyrics and I think you will as well.

Jonathan and Neil Diamond were a bit ahead of their time. Perhaps that is the way of all true musicians and creators. It certainly seems to be true with neoclassical music!

Samples from Jonathan Livingston Seagull Soundtrack (Real Player or Windows Media)
Jonathan Livingston Seagull Lyrics

 

Talking about celtic new age music, and not featuring Enya, has to be almost a crime. Ireland’s best selling solo musician was born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin - her name has been translated to English - in 1961. Once with Clannad, her solo career took off with the single, “Orinoco Flow,” also known as “Sail Away.” This song crossed from the new age charts into popular music, and sold eight million CDs. Her next album, “Shepherds Moons,” in 1991, won Enya her first Grammy.

Like many neoclassical or new age artists, Enya does not embrace the label. This seems to be a trend with many artists that have fallen into the genre, perhaps because of the spirituality attached to the genre’s name. Regardless of the label, 1995 brought Enya another Grammy with “Memory of Trees.”

Some controversy has surrounded Enya and the use of her music shortly after the September 11th attacks on New York City. Television and radio stations nationwide began using her song, “Only Time,” as background to news reports and documentaries of the attacks and resulting tragedies. As altering the music (dubbing in other sounds relevant to the attack) was not approved by Enya, she had mixed feelings about the music’s use. However, she did produce a version of “Only Time,” that had all proceeds go to the families of 9-11 victims. Her fans have had some negative reaction to the association of the Irish singers music to the war on terrorism that began shortly after the attacks on New York City.

Fans of “Lord of the Rings,” recognize Enya’s voice on the soundtrack from “Fellowship of the Ring,” in which she sang, “May It Be.” She has done other songs that relate to “Lord of the Rings,” as far back as 1991.

Enya’s songs are sung in Irish, Latin, Japanese, English, or an language known as Loxian. Loxian is a language created by Roma Ryan, who describes it as “futuristic from a distant planet.” Ryan, who works closely with Enya, also worked with Tolkien’s languages, particularly Elvish, in writing music for Enya which was inspired by “Lord of the Rings.”

Enya’s latest album is “Amarantine,” released in November of 2005. Her official Web site has a beautiful presentation of a beautiful album.

Enya - The Official Web Site
This site was a little confusing to navigate at first, but once you get the hang of it you won’t have any problems. Click on the album cover, click on the key of the snowglobe and if you want to go back or change page, right click and take the first option, which will take you to the beginning. The site is well worth the time to investigate. It is beautifully done.

Out Of The Blue

 

The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon the cloudy seas
The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor
And the highwayman came riding,
Riding, riding,
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.
From “The Highwayman” - A Classic Poem Set To Music

One of the most beautiful voices in the neoclassical genre, is Loreena McKennitt. Her albums are more than music, although more beautiful songs you would be hard pressed to find. The Canadian artist, “…continues a process of cultural excavation of the pan-Celtic heritage, serving as a creative springboard and a passport to eras past.” (WBR)

Warner Brothers Records, calls McKennitt’s music, “translucent, subliminal and sensual.” McKennitt says about her music:

“I feel extraordinarily lucky to be able to marry the vehicle of my talents with the fuel of my curiosity and imagination. This process has allowed me to explore the greater depths of our humanity and the human condition in a way that is tangible and full of meaning. It has taught me that indeed we are a culmination of our collective histories and that at the end of the day, not only are we and have been more or less the same, but also there is probably more to bind us together than tear us apart. It is a force of faith I must believe in.”

Loreena McKennitt Song Samples

Loreena McKennitt Biography

Loreena McKennitt Official Web Site

Loreena McKennitt - WBR Official Site

 

“Welcome to the world’s first Sacred Sounds portal. Our site showcases the finest “East meets West” artists who have recorded heart opening music by artfully combining melodies, mantras and lyrics from both hemispheres. These artists and this portal are dedicated to the transformational power of love and peace.”
From Sacred Sounds Radio 

Today I sat down at my computer and turned on my favorite music player of all time.  Live365’s, Radio365.  I have the premium version because of all the music players I have tried, this one was the best (in my opinion) hands down.  (And for the price you will never find a better deal!) Anyway, I found a new station I haven’t listened to before. 

Sacred Sounds Radio is a most unique blend of music.  I wasn’t sure what to expect when I turned to this station, but I liked it enough to stay for the entire evening.   “Wahe Guru,” by Mantra Girl is playing right now and it is totally unique. 

The music titles, to the casual reader, might look completely eastern and have no appeal to a western mindset.  NOT true.  This is as interfaith as it gets.  This particular piece I am listening to right now is meditative, prayerful, and very sacred in its expression.  One click in my Radio365 player, and this CD was put on my wishlist.

On the front page of the Web site, I found a list of artists.  I scrolled through and found Mantra Girl and discovered a whole page of information about the two behind the music. 

There’s a lot more on this site. I hope you will check it out and give it a good listen. I am very pleased I found this Internet radio station and it is definitely, now one of my favorites!

Sacred Sounds Radio