Customer Reviews
astounding - By: , 29 Aug 2002 
This is definitely the best of all the Adiemus albums, it combines the usual African chant & classical music with rhymic beats & startling originality. This is also the only album that makes full use of the dark, rich sound of the female singer, only occasionally usedin other albums. This womans voice is so powerful & moving that her songs (of which there are only three on the album)have a tendancy to overshadow the others. However each of the other tracks have a magic of their own, combining pan pipes, traditional instruments & the human voice to take the listener on a journey.
Song 3 is rousing & spirited, song 6 melancholic & pure, but by far the best song is song 8. Sung by the female singer it is achingly plaintive, the sound of a lost soul watching the stars shine over the ocean, the sound of the princessin the tower waiting for her long dead prince to come.
The music is inspiring & lyrical, harmonious & ofentimes touched with a real beauty. I would defy anyone to turn the lights out at night, listen to this album & not feel indescribably moved. An absolute must..
It's scary.... - By: , 18 Oct 2000 I bought this CD from my local music store after finding the first one too... catchy. After a few timesin the CD player, I was humming along to the tune & later, I was actually *singing* along to the song, even though I don't even know the language! This is a great CD. If you like the first one, you should add this to your collection -- it's great for insomniacs.
The most important music of the millennium - By: , 06 Jun 2000 This is quite simply the most awesome CD that I have ever listened to. A classical-styled collection of pieces with a unique choral/ethnic feel, it's perfect construction & delivery gives it an instantly accessible, contemporary feel. Majestic, powerful & invocative; & yet haunting, sombre & reflectivein equal measures. Beautifully melodic arrangements played wonderfully by the London Philharmonic Orchestra interwoven with the stunning vocal talents of Miriam Stockley (impressively multi-tracked), one of the UK's finest singers. Karl Jenkins is surely one of the most talented composers alive today.
If you're a fan of music, buy it immediately.
What does the music of Adiemus sound like? - By: , 29 Mar 2000 As with many musical artists, of course, the answer to that question depends on who you ask-though they have been frequently compared to artists such as Enya, Enigma, Dead Can Dance, & Deep Forest. Because of the unique qualities of their sound, however, no direct comparison can ever be completely sufficient. The prominent soundsin the music of Adiemus are the diverse melodical chants & vocal stylings of Miriam Stockley, the harmonies of Mary Carewe & "the Adiemus singers", & the powerful backing of the London Philharmonic. Karl Jenkins himself describes the music as "an extended choral-type work based on the European classical tradition, but where the vocal sound is more akin to 'ethnic' or 'world' music";in his words, "The sound is universal, as is the language of music [...] this music is somewhere to escape to." This was taken from the amazing Adiemus Unofficial Home Page, one of the best pages on the Internet & by far the best page containing literally everything there is to know about Adiemus!
..and you thought the first one was something else! - By: , 01 Mar 2000 I have to admit to buying Adiemus II - Cantata Mundi with a little trepidation. Having enjoyed the first recording (Songs of Sanctuary) I actually felt nervous about the second one - would it be as good or better, or would I be disappointed. I needn't have worried, as Adiemus II literally blows you away. From the first track it is unmistakingly recognisable as the work of Jenkins, but it is clear that it is also the work of a man who has realised that he is 'never satisfied'. This recording is more symphonicin nature than the first, Jenkins uses the full orchestra to great effect throughoutin developing his themes to a much fuller extent thanin Songs of Sanctuary. This is a man who knows how to use an orchestra well without the recording coming across as an solely 'orchestral work'. Jenkin's use of the horn section is particularly satisfying - listen to it & you'll appreciate what I mean! The emphasis is still very much on the ethereal singing of Miriram Stockley who again delights us with her clear yet powerful tones - her voice & Jenkin's music - a match madein heaven!
A must for all Jenkins lovers & those who have never even heard Songs of Sanctuary.
