Average Customer Review:
 ( 97 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 39 found the following review helpful:
It takes a poet to understand this musicMar 10, 2000
Just like the first Adiemus album, a truely work of art. A masterpiece which could happen, unfortunately, once in a life time. The best and most invested album by Secret Garden. The elements of Classic/New Age and Celtic/irish are combined so well. It is, indeed, an album with no songs, but it leaves no room for words, for it has its own passion which has no need for words. It will certainly give you the perfection you seek. The album has quiet pieces as well as fast, classic/folk, pieces well worth listen to. The CD is filled with orchestra and irish instruments. Its vivid and lushious music will haunt you and inspire you all togather.The work of Fionnuala Sherry (Violin) is quite outstanding and breath-taking. As I understand, this CD had been recorded after she had an accident and broke her sholder. She had a very rough recovery and still could play as beautifull as she plays in the album. All in all, if there were more stars I could give, this CD would go through the 10th star...
22 of 23 found the following review helpful:
Climb the steps into heavenJun 22, 2002
By Clarissa
"MoonGoddess"
OK, this album isn't heaven but it sure comes close. Ever since I became a listener of new age music I heard that Secret Garden was an excellent choice to start with (next to everything by Enya) but for some reason an interest for them never sparked in me, even after all the praise-worthy reviews I read. That is until I heard the elevating "Steps" come on as I listened to an internet radio station. It just took my breath away and captivated me like very few songs can do. Then I heard the gorgeous "Poeme" and melted as I listened to the violin and the piano play out a haunting melody. Even after that it still took me awhile to buy anything by them but once I saw the CD on sale ... at my music club I just couldn't pass up such an amazing deal so I bought it, and boy am I ever glad that I did. This has got to be one of the most spiritually exhilerating albums ever to grace the music industry. If you ever just want to get away from all the mainstream pop polluting the airwaves than put this on and let its magic do the rest. This CD just stirs the soul like no other can. It's truly that pure and beautiful. Fionnuala Sherry (who plays the violin) and Rolf Lovland (who plays the piano and keyboards) are a match made in heaven when it comes to composing music. Davy Spillane and John Tate even contribute to the beauty of this album with low whistles and uilleann pipes which spring up now and then to give the atmoshpere a slightly celtic feel. Other favorites, however, include "Moving", which sounds a little more upbeat and dancy than the others, along with "Escape" which allows me to release my soul and give my all on whatever I'm doing. So in closing WOW is pretty much all I have to say. This album's incredible so I highly recommend that you buy it. This is my only CD by them but I plan on buying all of their other albums in the years to come. This is highly recommended.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
EnchantingSep 24, 2004
By PhotoSmith
"Sarah e. Smith"
Secret Garden's "Whitestones", is an amazing CD. The talent of Rolf Lovland and Fionnula Sherry is unprecedented...their styles compliment each other perfectly. "Whitestones" is a beautiful compilation of instrumentals, highlighting Rolf's songwriting and piano ability as well as Fionnula's amazing and haunting violin melodies. The songs on "Whitestones" are perfect to listen to after a long and stressful day, in the bath, and they are perfect to listen to while falling asleep as the songs are very ethereal and dreamlike. I have been listening to this disc for about six years and it is still in my main CD rotation, in fact I used the song "Hymn" at my wedding as I walked down the isle. This CD is a must to own for those who appreciate New Age and Celtic music. Their other albums are also amazing, and I am proud to say that I own every one of their releases and I am looking forward to their next release which will be out soon!
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
STIRS ME LIKE NO OTHERMay 28, 2003
By Soaring Heart
"Once upon a time, two children overheard their parents plan to abandon them in a forest, as they could not afford to feed them. But the children cleverly gathered small white stones, and on their long journey into the forest, they secretly dropped them onto the ground. At nightfall, left alone, the moon illuminated the white stones, and the reflection became their guiding light. So the fairytale about Hansel and Gretel goes.
Each song on the album can be compared to a white stone. Listen and let them lead you into your own secret garden." Fionnuala Sherry & Rolf Lovland How 'White Stones' touches me goes beyond words. Every track is a treasure. Suffice to say, it will be with me forever. I've heard lots of new age music but this is one of the very best because of so many factors not just technically but emotionally. Music, for me, should balance both of these aspects and White Stones does perfectly. I'm a violinist and have heard many others but there is something very Special about Fionnuala. She plays with passion from her heart. She has played violin since the age of three. Her violin is obviously her best friend. She has enormous talent, unbelievable expression and is one of the most vivacious players ever. Rolf is the master mind/composer and an exquisite pianist who leads the band like a conductor but gives Fionnuala so much room. Them playing together is a truly a vision. I own 'A Night With Secret Garden' Dvd which I whole-heartedly recommend if you love this cd and want to see a violinist dance about and smile instead of the typical orchestra setting. 'White Stones' is for everyone who loves beautiful Music, but if you're a musician, I think you will especially appreciate this. Each song on White Stones is truly the definition of Beauty. My favorite song is 'Poeme.' When I first got this cd, I couldn't get past it and it was only the second track! I listened over and over. 'Poeme' is one of those rare tracks that I have come across in my lifetime that stirs my heart so deeply, I often weep at the true, pure, unbridled emotion of it! I can play it on my violin and when I do I feel so wonderful. I wish I had the sheet music of the entire cd, it would be so much simpler. If anyone knows where I can get this, please email me and you will have a friend for life! There are liner notes about each song and I want to end with the note to 'Poeme': "A song without words - an unspoken story. We listen with our ears - we understand with our hearts." SOAR!
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Music to feed your soulSep 23, 1999
Having recently seen this group on Public Television, I was lucky to choose this album as my first "Secret Garden" purchase as I think it's their best. It has a beauty and simplicity that nourishes the soul. Their music can calm and soothe you ("Sanctuary"). It can also inspire you ("Celebration"). Put it on, close your eyes and you can imagine all life's possibilities!
See all 97 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
based on 97 reviews
