Secret Garden -- Norwegian composer/keyboardist Rolf Lovland and Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry -- enchanted the world with this debut album of impressionistic works for Celtic and Norwegian instruments, orchestra, voices, and piano. With the exception of "The Rap," a buoyant folk tune that practically dances from the speakers, this gentle album mines the deep riches of the spirit. A nocturne, a pastorale, a serenade, an Italian cantoluna, an adagio based on a theme by Bach, and a peaceful piece for boy soprano and choir -- these are the songs that form the tapestry of this lush album. Key soloists include Davy Spillane on low whistles and Uilleann pipe, David Agne on oboe and english horn, Asa Jinder on the keyfiddle, and Gunnhild Tvinnereim on vocals. This musical garden is a ravishing beauty.
