Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48900 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-08-20
• Rating: Exempt
• Formats: Box set, Live, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Running time: 139 minutes

Video Description
An enchanting musical performance, set beneath the stars in
the breathtaking Moorish heart of medieval Spain. Captured in concert in
September 2006, singer/composer Loreena McKennitt leads viewers and
listeners through the multi-textured landscapes of her catalogue, from
traditional Celtic ballads to literary narratives and highlights from her
latest recording, An Ancient Muse.

Filmed in rich HDTV, the DVD of Nights From The Alhambra evokes the
otherworldly magic of Granada's palace of dreams, the fiery and inspired
performances of a stellar cast of supporting musicians and, of course, the
unforgettable voice and songs of Loreena McKennitt herself.
DVD: 1. The Mystic's Dream / 2. She Moved Through The Fair / 3. Stolen
Child / 4. The Mummers' Dance / 5. Penelope's Song / 6. Marco Polo / 7. The
Bonny Swans / 8. Dante's Prayer / 9. Caravanserai / 10. Bonny Portmore /
11. Santiago / 12. Raglan Road / 13. All Souls Night / 14. The Lady Of
Shalott / 15. The Old Ways / 16. Never-Ending Story (Amhran Duit). Encore -
17. Huron 'Beltane' Fire Dance / 18. Cymbeline. CD 1: 1. The Mystic's Dream
/ 2. She Moved Through The Fair / 3. Stolen Child / 4. The Mummers' Dance /
5. Penelope's Song / 6. Marco Polo / 7. The Bonny Swans / 8. Dante's Prayer
/ 9. Caravanserai. CD 2: 1. Bonny Port More / 2. Santiago / 3. Raglan Road
/ 4. All Souls Night / 5. The Lady Of Shalott / 6. The Old Ways / 7.
Never-Ending Road (Amhran Duit). Encore - 8. Huron 'Beltane' Fire Dance /
9. Cymbeline.

Synopsis
Tracks include: ‘The Mystic’s Dream’, ‘She Moved Through The Fair’, ‘Stolen Child’, ‘The Mummer’s Dance’, ‘Penelope’s song’, ‘Marco Polo’, ‘The Bonny Swans’, ‘Dante’s Prayer’, ‘Caravanserai’, ‘Bonny Portmore’, ‘Santiago’, ‘Raglan Road’, ‘All Souls Night’, ‘The Lady Of Shalott’, ‘The Old Ways’, ‘Never-Ending Road’, ‘Huron ‘Beltane’ Fire Dance’ and ‘Cymbeline’.

From the Director
If these stones could speak... As performers, we know that the mysterious and thrilling chemistry between musicians and audience can make a special place of any stage. How much more mysterious and thrilling it was, then, to find ourselves assembling our instruments in the very heart of the Alhambra Palace, a place I have dreamed of performing in from the first time I walked amongst its enchanted walls. I believe that the real beauty of the Alhambra is that it holds our dreams of the eternal within its stones - the same eternal truth, perhaps, that we performers strive for when we share our songs and stories. I am honoured to share our nights in the Alhambra, and our musical journey, with you. ~ Loreena McKennitt

Customer Reviews

A spectacular concert in a magnificent setting
There are at least two versions of this DVD/CD on Amazon - not sure what the differences are.

I reviewed the other version nearly four weeks before its release in the UK, because having seen Loreena McKennitt in her only UK concert at London's Barbican Theatre on 3 April - a magnificent evening - I bought a copy of the CD/DVD from her sales kiosk.

The concert was recorded in September 2006 at the Alhambra palace in Granada. It must be said that Loreena's music melds beautifully with the backdrop of the palace and whoever had the idea for the concert here was truly inspired.

There are 18 tracks on the album - the 2 CDs - and the order is the same for the DVD. There is a commentary by Loreena at intervals throughout the concert and you get a real understanding of how her mind works, in putting together the historical images which shape her albums; each album being a history lesson and a travelogue for her research which culminates in her marvellous albums.

There are tracks from all her studio albums:

* Penelope's Song", "Caravanserai" and "Never-Ending Road (Amhran Duit)" are all from "An Ancient Muse", the brilliant new album;

* "The Mystic's Dream", "The Bonny Swans" and "Santiago" are from "The Mark And Mirror";

* "She Moved Through The Fair" and "Stolen Child" are from "Elemental";

* "The Mummer's Dance", "Marco Polo" and "Dante's Prayer" are from "The Book Of Secrets";

* "Bonny Portmore", "All Souls Night", an abbreviated version of "The Lady Of Shalott", "The Old Ways" and "Cymbeline" are all from "The Visit"; and

* "Huron 'Beltane' Fire Dance" is from "Parallel Dreams".

Finally, there is a wonderful version of "Raglan Road, the poem written by Patrick Kavanagh.

The musicians are a stellar A-list group, including many of those who have played on Loreena's studio albums - Brian Hughes, Caroline Lavelle, Donald Qwan, Hugh Marsh to name just a few. However, there are many more top-class musicians playing here and when you add Loreena's voice, the result is startlingly wonderful and unforgettable.

This is a major concert in a magnificent setting - a spectacular occasion which all fans will enjoy. For all British fans, it is hoped that Loreena will return for more concerts soon.

Breathtaking
Feel slightly exploited that this was sold to me at Loreena's Barbican performance for £25 in April - nevertheless, I never tire of watching this remarkable performance. She is a master, and the talented musicians she performs with, are truly awe-inspring. Now on my twelfth viewing in four months! I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Nights From The Alhambra DVD+2CD
An absolutetly breathtaking performance. The filming is first class with many close up shots of Loreena and her musicians. They all looked as though they were enjoying the interaction with each other and the audience. Worth getting even if you were fortunate enough to have been to the concert.