Dawn of a New Century
“Dawn of a New Century” diverged in several ways from the 2 previous albums. We included 2 vocal pieces on the album, which was quite exciting for a mostly instrumental group. One of the songs is performed by Fionnuala and is called “Sona” – it will be the very first time you hear her singing. The other song is called “Prayer” and is performed by the Scottish singer Karen Matheson from the group Capercaillie. Those of you who have seen the film Rob Roy will also know that she performed the beautiful lament in the film. We have also worked with vocals in sections of songs performed by the Norwegian singer Anne Karin Kaasa, and the Paris-based American singer Nikki Matheson.
A majority of the music is still instrumental – melody driven in crossover between classical and traditional – inspired by Celtic and Norwegian music. The foundation established in our two first albums – that our music is our passion and our hearts speaking – is still the essence in everything we are doing.
Tracklist, Lyrics & Purchase
Selected Audio Clips
(lo res)
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Moongate
In the ancient Chinese culture, a formal garden often featured a special archway that led from one part of the garden to another and was called, romantically,the moongate. Lovers would pass through the moongate to retain strength and passion of their love. The classical and romantic mood of this melody, interrupted in the middle section by the ethereal and lyrical guitar of Terje Rypdal, merges two contrasting musical expressions that compliment each other as naturally as Yin and Yang. The Norwegian guitarist and composer Terje Rypdal have created a unique and expressive style of his own through his legendary ECM recordings.
Scored and conducted by John Tate. -
Prayer
Our second album White Stones was centered on the classic fairy tale «Hansel and Gretel», the story of two unsuspecting children abandoned in a dark forest.Sometimes, even as adults, we can feel vulnerable and timid when we find ourselves in unknown and unfamiliar situations. We search for signs and guidance to find the pathways to safety. We surrender to the spirits and ask them to enfold and protect us. The Scottish singer Karen Matheson, known from the group Capercaillie and for the beautiful Lament she sings in the film «Rob Roy», performs this song. Scored and conducted by Rolf Lovland.
Lyrics by F. Sherry / R. Lovland
Hush – lay down your troubled mind
The day has vanished and left us behind
And the wind – whispering soft lullabies
Will soothe – so close your eyes
Let your arms enfold us
Through the dark of night
Will your angels hold us
Till we see the light
Sleep – angels will watch over you
And soon beautiful dreams will come true
Can you feel spirits embracing your soul
So dream while secrets of darkness unfold
© 1999 Universal Music Norway -
Elan
The word elan means flight and this song, Celtic-inspired and rhythmic driven was created to evoke the soaring sense and spirit of dance. The piece was recorded with a wonderful cast of Irish players who give their personal colour to the music: Tommy Hayes on bodhran, spoons and bones. Martin O’Connor on the box, and Mick O’Brien on Uilleann Pipes and Whistle.
Scored and conducted by John Tate -
Dreamcatcher
The tradition of a «dreamcatcher» is an ancient one, dating back to the Celtic and Native American cultures, where soft branches of oak or willow were formed into a circle and used as a base for a web of feathers, leaves and twine. This natural net would «capture» ideas, dreams and visions and allow the dreamers to achieve their dreams and goals. This magical dreamcatcher also provided a unique protection during sleep: filtering out the bad dreams and retaining the pleasant, positive ones. We`ve thought of this piece as a lullaby, since a lullaby can soothe us to sleep and be, in turn, a musical «dreamcatcher». Scored and conducted by John Tate.
Lyrics by Nikki Matheson
Hear my silent prayer
Heed my quiet call
When the dark and blue surround you
Step into my sigh
Look inside the light
You will know that I have found you
© 1999 Universal Music Norway -
Sona
The mood of this song relates to the fable of frightened children lost and abandoned in the dark and mysterious forest.
We are inspired by the idea that music can be like the white stones that ultimately save the children in the fairy tale. Like the stones in the story, which reflected the light of the moon, the power of music reflects the light of our hearts and guides us out of darkness into our own very special secret gardens.
The Irish lyrics, written by Mick O’Brien, bring us back into the forest, where its mystery and beauty can once again captivate us. For English translation – Click here
Scored and conducted by Rolf Lovland
Lyrics by Mick O’Brien
Ag breacadh an lae do chumar ag siúl
aoibhneas an tsaoil amach romhainn
clocha draíochta chomh geal lenár súile
casán ag glioscarnach dúinn
Suaimhneas na coillte is ceol inár gcroithe
macalla fuaim an tsrutháin
duilleoga fómhar mar ghuth ar an ngaoth
sé nádúr is cúis lenár ngrá
A`Taisteal sa choill seo ar fán is ar fuaidreamh
réalta geala eolais ag lonradh don rí
A`Taisteal sa choill seo ar fán is ar fuaidreamh
clocha bána ag lasadh ár slí
Anois tá réalta a`rince sa spéir
is an saol ina gholadh go sámh
aislingi áille i ngairdín mo rún
brionglóidí thart orainn ar snámh
Súile síor lasta le solas
súile faoi gheasa na rún
taibhreamh ar sheoda an ghairdín
iontais nach sceithfear go buan
A`Taisteal sa choill seo ar fán is ar fuaidreamh
réalta geala eolais ag louradh don rí
A`Taisteal sa choill seo ar fán is ar fuaidreamh
clocha bána ag lasadh ár slí
© 1999 Universal Music Norway -
In Our Tears
Music is to me a very strong way of channeling emotions.
It´s a direct and naked way of expressing feelings that can’t be communicated in any other way. Recently I lost a dear friend under tragic circumstances and writing this piece helped me out of my darkness. These personal feelings are captured here in this «requiem» over a lost friend, whose unique memory will live on in the hearts of everybody who knew him. The piece features the Irish choir Anuna, singing lyrics in reference to the traditional Latin Mass, written by the Norwegian author and Eyvind Skeie (minister in The Church of Norway).
Dona Nobis Pacem
Lyrics by Eyvind Skeie
Miserere nobis
Lacrimae meae panis
Dona nobis pacem
Meum cor contritum est.
Miserere nobis
Lucerna verbum tuum
Firmamentum meum.
Benedictus Dominus
Dona nobis pacem
Benedictus Dominus
Scored and conducted by John Tate -
Children of the River
On meeting musicians from the Orient, we were fascinated by their distinctive musical sounds and instruments. In this song we have tried to capture some of the uniquely Eastern colors and vibrant tones of this ancient and beautiful culture. Music is the universal language of emotions, and regardless of our differences, we all share and understand this common language. The flute player Steinar Ofsdal who has studied Chinese culture and music is playing the «Dizi» and the «Bawu» in this tune.
Scored and conducted by Fiachra Trench -
Evensong
The nature around us strongly influences our lives. It’s rhythms- night and day, light and shade, ebb and flow, sunshine and rain, color our moods. Nature beckons us and we respond to it’s calling. Sitting under the sky on a bright Norwegian summer’s night surrounded by valleys, mountains and fjords inspired the feeling of a distant voice calling in the evening. Long ago voices could be heard echoing across the valleys, sending ritual and spiritual messages.The Norwegian traditional singer Anne Karin Kaasa sets the mood of this tune, traditionally chanting as you would hear, in the southern valley of Setesdal in Norway.
Scored and conducted by John Tate -
Lore of the Loom
Often we’ve found that our music crosses over the two poetic landscapes of Norwegian and Irish inspiration, two traditions with equally strong musical identities. Like a woven tapestry, the threads of these musical traditions can be blended and woven together, as in this song, a colourful and rhythmic tune in which both Irish and Norwegian «lines and threads» are equally woven into a warm and comforting musical tapestry of joyful colours, vibrant patterns and unique textures and depth.
Scored and conducted by John Tate -
Aria
A slow duet between the violin and the low strings in a dark and melancholic lament. Anuna performs the Irish lyrics by Mick O’Brien. Scored and conducted by John Tate.
Lyrics by Mick O’Brien
I praise you day by day – father in heaven our saviour –
the golden era leaves us now.
Sadness and loneliness on my heart –
happiness and delight on my thoughts.
A new season on the horizon – long is the day – long is the night.
Praise youth – and it will always be there.
© 1999 Universal Music Norway -
Divertimento
A graceful dance movement written in the gallant mood of an 18th century gavotte. Divertimento translates in Italian as entertaining» and here evokes a light, graceful mood, suggesting a joyful contrast to the sentiments of this album. Hans Fredrik Jacobsen plays the recorder solos.
Scored and conducted by John Tate -
Aquarell
A musical canvas of Norwegian moods painted in transparent colours that float and merge into each other, creating impressions and thoughts in a small moment of life. Simplicity can sometimes evoke the true meaning of emotions, and in this piece inspiration comes from the restless and wandering thoughts during a sleepless night.
Scored and conducted by Fiachra Trench -
Dawn of a New Century
“It is in changing that things find purpose” wrote Greek philosopher Heraclitus many centuries ago. And as the dawn of a new century arrives, we look back upon the historic events that have dominated our lives and our thoughts: The many leaders and heroes that gave our history a kaliedoscope of voices and faces; the remarkable achievements in medicine, science and technology.
Just a few of the many changes our generation has witnessed in a single century include the discovery of penicillin, man’s landing on the moon, the transplant of human organs and the marvels of the computer.This century also let us witness the cruelty of World Wars and the beginning and end of a Cold War. The growing understanding between different countries and cultures. But let us not forget, in these changing days, the darker chapters of a closing century: the Holocaust; Hiroshima; the isolation of the Berlin Wall; and equally unpleasant historical markers that mankind has left as scars on civilization’s memory. And as we welcome a new century, we also leave unresolved problems for our children: the gradual destruction of our planet thanks to increasing pollution; destruction of rain forests and ozone layers; starvation and epidemics in the Third World and perpetual conflicts between religions, races and cultures that seem to ignite effortlessly. We who do not learn from history’s mistakes, it is written, are doomed to make the same mistakes over and over again. Thus, at the dawn of a new century, it is our history that we hand our children as their heritage and their inheritance as the dream of a better, more promising future.
The scars of the past are wounds we all share, yet with this knowledge, we continue to march forward to greet the dawn with faith and hope. In the book of mankind another page has been written, and as we turn it over, a new and blank sheet unfolds-a new chapter begins. What will our children read by the end of the next century?
The opening narration is written by Peter Skavlan and narrated by John Kavanagh. Anuna is performing the closing section with a hymn of hope.
Scored and conducted by John Tate.
Fionnuala Sherry and Rolf Lovland
On this day March 19th we celebrate #WorldSleepDay – a global call to action about the importance of sound sleep habits.
We are thrilled to participate in a very special collection of peaceful music with a new piano version of Sleepsong.
We wish you all a peaceful weekend 🌙
Listen here: WorldSleepDay.lnk.to/Playlist
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It's a beautiful world.
It's nature.
Beautiful idea.
I think it's a person's mind.
You're pretty.
World Music Love
I have just listenened to Rolf‘s piano-only version of Sleepsong several times. Really beautiful❣️ Any plans to make the sheet music available?
Lindo demais! A alma voa …
Very nice .Rolf is a genius.
Dear Friends
With the year that has gone by there is a huge and necessary interest in mental health and well-being. On March 19th we celebrate World Sleep Day – an international awareness event about the importance of healthy sleep. We are delighted to participate in a special record release this day which is a compilation of many artists providing a peaceful soundtrack that will help us drift off to dreamland. We felt our song “Sleepsong” was the perfect fit for this project and Rolf has recorded a brand new piano version. Can’t wait to share it with you!
Here is a little greeting from Rolf himself where he tells us more about this very special song. Enjoy!
#WorldSleepDay
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Your Music is a Great Lighthouse for Everyone. A lot of many yours peaces shine about Love, Peace for all the World. We feel Emotions, Dreaming anche Hope for a better Life. <3
Much love sound this like youtu.be/pA0B46oD_3Y
Hello! I would love to submit a song to this project! So you know where can i send it? Thank you!😘
My favourite song for all time 🎵🎶☘💚
Thank you so much, Rolf!
Love to see you #Sir 🎵😊🌻🙏🙏🙏🌸🌺🌼 take Care!
I’ve been hearing sleep song since years..
Much love and adulation to both of u.
Dr jai vora,mumbai,INDIA.
Cantoluna would be also a perfect "sleepsong", i listen to it before i go to sleep…https://youtu.be/8Fv6QUdYXjg
Dear Friends, we have a special project to share with you; a documentary about the making of "Sacred Night". This is the background story of the album, the writing process and the recording. Cathrine, Fionnuala and Rolf share their personal footage from the studio sessions linked with their own words.
You can watch the whole documentary on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/aD3Ni61O55Y
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This in my very favorite CD! I have all of yours, but this one is truly outstanding ! I play it all year round ! ❤️❤️❤️
The magic you always bring us assures that new Christmas music can indeed be written and warmly welcomed into the repertoire. The chemistry the three of you have is of pure heart and is always a blessing. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this very special documentary. I love it! Amazing to see how every puzzle piece was put together, especially with the difficult conditions we have had during this covid year with its lock downs and the necessity of keeping distance. Jeg må si at julesangene deres er et av de sterkeste lys som skinner i mørketiden i år! I feel much respect, gratitude and love for what you are doing. Each one of you is gifted with so much talent. I am very happy for you that «Sacred Night» was chosen the most beautiful Christmas album of the year in Norway! Take care, stay healthy and keep on making music for us!
This is my favorite Secret Garden recording. Christmas is over, but I can't stop listening to Sacred Night!
After a long time of waiting, the CD finally arrived home. It's a great job. And it would have been even better if a DVD had been included with the videos of the recordings and the documentary. I would have gladly bought it.
I like your musik, I am working on a filmproject about Th. Kittelsen. Why has he been neglected so much in Norwegian cultur history!?.. I have written a spillefilmmanus about him. He lived a difficult life, and I want to to tell his Story!… When i hear your music, i see Th, Mikkelsen! Can we work together?
Just an absolutely beautiful CD …every song is special & brings tears to my eyes …I just live Secret Garden !
It IS indeed possible to create new Christmas masterpieces when you are as talented as the entire Secret Garden group. Amazing music….always! Love from Denmark…
I'm awestruck by the amount of talent that went into the creation and production of this magnificent CD. It is a joy to listen to and will be played year round in my home. Thank you Secret Garden for this timeless masterpiece.
Beautiful, simply timeless . Thank you x
When is this going to be available in the UK from Amazon?
Nydelig sang 🌸🎵. Nydelig musikk 🌺🎵😀. Rolf, Fionnuala og hele gjengen 💌🎄🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵
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Two days left until Christmas! We hope our new album creates the perfect backdrop to your preparations. With warm greetings from both of us and Cathrine Iversen Official ❤
Listen to "Sacred Night" here: SecretGarden.lnk.to/SacredNight_
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Lovely album ! Thank you for this wonderful music. Cathrine has such a beautiful voice too ! ❤🌲🌠🙏
It certainly is, thank you arrived in time on Christmas Eve. It’s wonderful, simply beautiful. Thank you. ❤️
Amo as músicas de vocês. Venham para o Brasil.
Fikk den i postkassa idag..gleder meg til og høre på den.😊
Beautiful music, always! 🎶 My favorite music group! 🥰
😊 Holidays!
😊 & Healthy
New Year!
Sacred Night is the perfect Christmas gift thank you; Have a truly wonderful & safe Christmas. The worlds starts again next year.
It’s been sooo great for me that you released this when you did. Been working hard on my new album. You were recording Storyteller at the exact same I was recording Red Sky Prairie. As all things SG are my main influences, having Sacred Night with me now is the extra inspiration I needed ❤️❤️
I have all of their CDs. Thank you for your beautiful music and Catherine is my favorite soloist that sings with you. Just what the doctor ordered during these times of social distancing. God Bless you all & Merry Christmas
I listened to it driving to work – and back home again. Great album
The Album is wonderful !!! 🙏❣️🌟🎄 Merry Christmas! 🤗
Happy Holiday 🎅🤶🎄🎁
It would if I had it but still having no luck with Amazon UK. Maybe next Christmas?
Lovely album 👍
Nydeleg fin cd.God jul. 🌟👍🎅❤
Fabulous!
just got mine!
Merry Christmas 🎄
Here’s a video about ‘I Know a Rose Tree’. We first recorded it in 1998 and then revived the recording of this 500year old song for this album. You can enjoy the whole song on our YouTube channel: shorturl.at/dvBU2
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I was listeing Song From A Secret Garden and Adagio. Thanks for theses two songs … thanks for exist.
It was like to be born again. (sorry my english)
This song is also in German. Not sure where it originated, but its name is: "Es ist ein Rose entsprungen." English: "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." I remember this song very well from when I was in my high school's chorus and Madrigal singers. I sang the Alto part. 😀
Your new christmas album is fabulous. Thank you so much ❤️
Beautiful❤
Belíssima!
Vakkert.❤
Beautiful
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