Loreena McKennitt - Noël Nouvelet!

I grew up listening to this artist, but didn’t have any of her Christmas-themed music. It wasn’t until I looked over her discography that I realized that Christmas was a primary and recurrent theme of her songs. Last night I heard the Irish-imbued instrumentation and dulcet tones of Loreena’s voice drifting from the speakers at a public Christmas display, so it seems I’m not the only one who’s noticed she’s a good go-to for such occasions. Breaking from her tendency toward Gaelic sounds, this song is a cover of a French carol.
Note: It’s HD!

Loreena McKennitt - Noël Nouvelet! [Christmas Comes Anew!]:

Loreena McKennitt - The Mummer’s Dance

I’m not sure, because it was so long ago, but I think this may have been the first song I made an effort to memorize all the lyrics of (aside from The Circle of Life from The Lion King). And I did! Lovely song, and probably the most popular by this artist. Listening to this song brings me back to my childhood.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Loreena McKennitt - The Mummer’s Dance:

Loreena McKennitt - The Highwayman

I listened to the album this song is from, Book of Secrets, so much as a wee one. This song is based on the poem by Alfred Noyes by the same name. So this song taught me some literature! It’s pretty dark. Fun fact: One time someone started reciting to me the part of the poem describing the moon, and I identified it as being from the correct poem because of my familiarity with this song. It made me look all well-read and cultured even though I’m not. :D

Loreena McKennitt - The Highwayman:

Loreena McKennitt - Dante's Prayer

This Canadian artist became somewhat well-known through her song "The Mummers' Dance," which I love, but this song is one of my favorites ever so I had to post it.  My mom owned the album this is from since I was little, so I was exposed to her music from a young age.  The artist makes lots of gorgeous Celtic-style music, but this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. 

Loreena McKennitt - Dante's Prayer: