Songs from a Secret Garden

When I was choosing a selection of CDs to play during my son's waterbirth, I didn't hesitate to include this one for its calming, gentle sounds to help both my wife and myself to relax. Jonathan was introduced to the world with the beautiful strains of Secret Garden.

This is soul food. If you need to let it all out, this is the music.


Beautiful Music   August 28, 2005
Westley (The South)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

I'm not typically a fan of new age style music, and I have to admit that I received this CD by mistake from a music club. I was too lazy to return it; so I just stuck it in my CD collection expecting to never listen to it. Eventually, it went into my CD player, and I was surprised by its beauty. The group consists of composer and pianist Rolf Lovland and Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry. As a newbie to this genre, I'm not sure what I would compare their sound to - perhaps a bit of Enya mixed with light piano jazz and a touch of Clannad. It reminds me vaguely of the music from "Titanic," although somewhat gentler. Their songs incorporate a number of instruments, generally supporting the piano and violin. Some songs include lovely vocals by the Irish National Chamber Choir. Secret Garden definitely have an Irish sound, but not overwhelmingly so. Obviously, I stumbled on this CD by accident, but it's been a nice addition to my collection. I think that this CD would appeal to many people who like contemporary classical music - highly recommended.


Simply wonderful! Simply peaceful!   September 25, 2000
The English Chap (Pennsylvania, USA)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

Songs from a Secret Garden is a collection of Classical/Celtic/New Age music that will make you want to cry, sing, and just bask in the warm sun all at the same time. I came across this CD while I was surfing through Amazon, and saw a link to here from a Loreena Mckennitt Amazon page. I played the first clip (NOCTURNE) on my real player and was inthralled with utter beauty of it. I went to the next clip...and had the same experience etc etc. I ordered it immediately, and let me tell you...this CD is so calming and medidtative to the body and spirit, that I think everyone needs to own this! Some say this CD lacks quality, but I strongly dissagree. This CD will be a great buy for anyone! Get it, and enjoy the hauntingly peaceful beauty of it! If you buy this, this music will be the gardener of your heart.


Not as good as it seems   January 26, 2000
K. Schleick
13 out of 22 found this review helpful

At first listening, I liked this CD quite a lot. Upon repeated listenings, however, I found it to be repetitive and uninspiring. It is good background music, but it is as if each track has a 'movie soundtrack' soundbyte theme to it. Good only if you really like New Age style music.


My Favorite CD   February 24, 2000
Jessica H. (Michigan)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

My husband and I first heard "Songs from a Secret Garden" when we vacationed in Norway. We bought the CD in Europe and brought it home with us. It is an absolute treasure, perfect when you're in the mood for gentle, sweet music. I can't listen to it without being moved and inspired. A masterpiece!