Three of The Book of Secrets’ eight musical chapters are strictly instrumental. Elsewhere, “The Highwayman” is the tragic tale of a woman’s sacrificial love for her man. An aging monk hands over his carefully scribed volumes to a colleague on “Skellig.” “Dante’s Prayer” asks for divine assistance to rise above mortal cares and fears.
Nothing in the lyrics. Unfortunately, McKennitt explains her music-and the theological hodgepodge that inspired it-in the liner notes. Her spiritualism ranges from Celtic origins and Sufiism (a blend of Islam and Eastern mysicism) to Christian gnosticism.
A cross between Enya and Celine Dion, this gifted artist leans on classical literature and her own nomadic ponderings to capture a bygone era. Very pleasant listening. However, McKennitt’s written allusions to ancient texts and spurious spiritualism will, for many families, taint the beauty of the music itself.
