Secret Garden’s formula is plain to hear. They have the lush string orchestrations of Yanni, the layered vocals of Clannad and Enya, and the stage-show Celtica of Riverdance. In the past these elements have weighed down the music of Irish violinist Fionuala Sherry and Norwegian keyboardist Rolf Lovland with a sweetness that would make tiramisu taste like poi. On Dawn of a New Century, they finally dance closer to the line that divides schlock from serenity, beauty from the banal. Capercaillie singer Karen Matheson gives a haunting vocal performance on “Prayer,” surrounded by Clannad-like harmonies. “Children of the River” is a cinematic expanse with Asian overtones, while “Lore of the Loom” swoops through orchestral landscapes that could be Ireland or Norway. But there’s also the hokey faux-Baroque of “Divertimento” and the title piece, which could stand in for “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.” –John Diliberto
User Reviews
5 Stars Never to old to enjoy great music
I discovered this group on Public Television, they performed at the telethon fund raiser then were giving away copies of the CD with a pledge. I have gone thru 3 more copies, my kids keep stealing them from me. Hauntingly beautiful music. Great vocals and full rich sound. PFM
1 Star Dawn of a New Century – Secret Garden
I loved it from beginning to end. I love the celetic flavor of the artists. I find it inspirational.
4 Stars Lush, peaceful, dreamy.
“Once in a Red Moon” is how I discovered the sounds of Secret Garden. Immediately I fell in love with the lush, peaceful and dreamy sounds this duo has become so famous for. The only reason I don’t give this CD 5 stars is purely for subjective reasons – I don’t think it’s their best, but I still think it is definitely worth owning. You’ll enjoy it, I’m certain. Every time we play any of Secret Garden’s music in our radio broadcast, they are one of the very few groups that stay in our programming as long as they do, because listeners love them so much. A good buy for your collection. Jon
5 Stars Awesome, Awesome, Awesome
The music on this is haunting and delicious. Out of the vocal selections, “Prayer” is just fabulous. I cannot stop playing it. I have four CDs from Secret Garden and this one rivals their first.
5 Stars Rest and Relaxation
Normally I do not go for New Age music, but when it is combined with Celtic and other such elements I love it. I fall asleep to this music because it is so beautiful!
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