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Loreena McKennitt — The Gates of Istanbul
Album: An Ancient Muse
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2953









Released: 2007
Length: 6:53
Plays (last 30 days): 0
See there, past that far-off hill
A tower held in the sky
Hear there, in that dark blue night
The music calling us home

See there, in that far-off field
Flowers turned to the sky
Feel there, in that dark blue night
The music calling us home

Stars may always guide our way,
From desert sands where winds blow harsh and long
But here's where our hearts will pray
And all our loves will slumber with a song

Stars may always guide our way,
From desert sands where the winds blow harsh and long
But here's where our hearts will pray
And all our loves will slumber with a song

So now, if our hearts be true
And like a pool of truth reflect the sun
We will find right honour there
And keep us safe and lead us from all harm

Then come love, let us dance all night
Until birds they waken at the dawn
Then come love, let us sing all night
And all our loves will slumber with a song

Then come love, let us dance all night
Until birds they waken at the dawn
Then come love, let us sing all night
And all our loves will slumber with a song
Comments (283)add comment
If you ever get a chance to be there, in this big city, with it's famous university, and libraries, you can watch a thousand of cats, living there in the streets, and anybody is looking after them by their own costs. For me who loves cats in any color and size, it's paradise there.
 iloveradio wrote:

This song has a great vibe whatever the origin. Was a common tract on prior RP. Nice to hear again.




I Agree! Thanx RP!   
Would be great to hear They Might Be Giants "Istanbul" after this one.
This is Kitsch. Not at all authentic.
 Loreena McKennitt  overdose ...  give it a rest Bill.
She sounds like a parody of herself.
 haretic wrote:
 
Lovely song, beautiful voice. Thank you, Bill!

Thank YOU for posting the lyrics!
Where's that confounded bridge?
This is nice, but I'd like to hear "The Gates of Constantinople".
This song has a great vibe whatever the origin. Was a common tract on prior RP. Nice to hear again.
Where is my Bowl!
Ever been to Istanbul? This music is so wonderful - I could cry - tears are coming up …. Thanks Rebecca and Bill …!!!
Didn't Edward Said write about this?
 Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
 vstg005 wrote:
acceptable at a greek restaurant during the belly dance{#Bananasplit}, too boring anywhere else.

This is Turkish, not Greek, and neither Turks or Greeks do belly dancing, which is more a Middle East Arabic tradition. Look, there is something farther than your local Walmart Superstore and the big blue pond.


 
FALSE

I've been to Turkey many times over 30 years

There is plenty of belly dancing in Turkey - there used to be a belly dancing channel on Turkish TV
[I suspect Erdogan has closed it down]


 poetdancer wrote:
If you ever get a chance to see her live, I highly recommend it. She's fantastic, and usually brings a great band with her.
 
She has played Istanbul a number of times - regrettably, I always seem to miss it

There is a good video of her performance at the Alhambra


 MirageRF wrote:
LM annoys me.  That warbley voice is chalk on a board.

 
Sounds as if you have your simile out of place. 
 haretic wrote:
 
"The Gates Of Istanbul"
See there, past that far-off hill
A tower held in the sky
Hear there, in that dark blue night
The music calling us home See there, in that far-off field
Flowers turned to the sky
Feel there, in that dark blue night
The music calling us home Stars may always guide our way,
From desert sands where winds blow harsh and long
But here's where our hearts will pray
And all our loves will slumber with a song Stars may always guide our way,
From desert sands where the winds blow harsh and long
But here's where our hearts will pray
And all our loves will slumber with a song So now, if our hearts be true
And like a pool of truth reflect the sun
We will find right honour there
And keep us safe and lead us from all harm Then come love, let us dance all night
Until birds they waken at the dawn
Then come love, let us sing all night
And all our loves will slumber with a song Then come love, let us dance all night
Until birds they waken at the dawn
Then come love, let us sing all night
And all our loves will slumber with a song.


Lovely song, beautiful voice. Thank you, Bill!
 

Thank you for the lyrics!
Aleili Goddess of Dance
 velsd wrote:


yes, one day they'll drop an atomic bomb on someone!
 
That was a real ignorant thing to say
 senjin wrote:
I've often wondered how cultures that produce such beauty can become known for the diametric opposite.
 

yes, one day they'll drop an atomic bomb on someone!
What a sweet voice.
Hi from Anatolia Loreena!
After work I can guarantee you that I'll be in the right frame of mind to appreciate this song.
She never fails to impress with her style and singing.  Just love everything about her talents 
 senjin wrote:
I have always enjoyed the various musics of Eurasia and the Mediterranean. I've often wondered how cultures that produce such beauty can become known for the diametric opposite.
 
It's called "organized religion".
 senjin wrote:
I have always enjoyed the various musics of Eurasia and the Mediterranean. I've often wondered how cultures that produce such beauty can become known for the diametric opposite.
 

This is very nice, but do yourself a favor and check out her earlier albums.
Is there something magical in the water up there in Canada......SO MUCH great music for such a small population !!.   I can't be the only one noticing this !?
Great piece of music, love the low bass notes.
 poetdancer wrote:
If you ever get a chance to see her live, I highly recommend it. She's fantastic, and usually brings a great band with her.
 
I couldn't agree more! Just so her live at the Royal Albert Hall this year it was an amazing experience !
 LizK wrote:
OK, )K, I know she's Irish or Bulgarian or something not Arabic, but her voice is so fine, her choices of music so intriguing, who wouldn't want to spend time listening to Loreena?  
 
She's actually Canadian 
Beautiful
Loreena is the best of this type of sound, production and voice!
I finally figured out what this reminds me of:

Father, I Put My Life In Your Hands (Psalm 31)
Who hasn't felt like this?  Haunting.
OK, )K, I know she's Irish or Bulgarian or something not Arabic, but her voice is so fine, her choices of music so intriguing, who wouldn't want to spend time listening to Loreena?  
Glorious.  Sailing on the pacific ocean in Costa Rica with this voice resounding throughout the boat.  What a memory!
 Stefen wrote:
I realize that Loreena McKennitt's music is often referred to as New Age, but to me it seems centuries old.  I like it.
 
In this, she is similar to Dead Can Dance.
Loreena could be Helen Mirren's sister!
 carlos65 wrote:
aye aye, second time she's been played today
 
Count your blessings!
Sounds great via the FLAC stream! Thanks Bill.
 Stefen wrote:
I realize that Loreena McKennitt's music is often referred to as New Age, but to me it seems centuries old.  I like it.

 
Agree.  but "Old Age" just brings up visions of Laurence Welk.
 
Lovely song, beautiful voice. Thank you, Bill!
 MirageRF wrote:
LM annoys me.  That warbley voice is chalk on a board.


 
Your chalk my cheese - I think she has an incredibly beautiful voice.
I realize that Loreena McKennitt's music is often referred to as New Age, but to me it seems centuries old.  I like it.
Sonzera
sometimes, i'm dreaming she's singing just near my ear {#Heartkiss}
музыка чарует{#Crown}
If you ever get a chance to see her live, I highly recommend it. She's fantastic, and usually brings a great band with her.
I have always enjoyed the various musics of Eurasia and the Mediterranean. I've often wondered how cultures that produce such beauty can become known for the diametric opposite.
Worth waiting for!!!!

"'"Once upon a time, somebody say to me'
(This is the dog talkin' now)
"What is your, conceptual, continuity?"

"...'The crux of the biscuit is the apostrophe'
Well you know, the man (that was talking to the dog)
looked at the dog, and he said, sort of staring in disbelief
'You can't say that'

"...Ain't this boogie a mess?"

I am forced to agree, it is a mess.


 WonderLizard wrote:

Maybe. Maybe not. You can patronize anyone of half a dozen Greek restaurants in Detroit's Greektown which feature belly dancing. It may be a Middle Eastern tradition, but it seems to have been adopted.

 
kinda cool music, imo (a way, way long time ago in Williamsburg-Greenpoint there was a tiny restaurant on the corner of Kent Ave. and N 11th St. called Sunshine, and they had a belly-dancer perform for you as you had brunch : )
 fitmartin wrote:
Fond memories South of France (Ariege) 2008 summertime in the midi pyrennes

 
Noice! Always wanted to do some cycling there.
such a good ambiance !!!
aye aye, second time she's been played today
Natacha Atlas does it so much better, I can't understand her either. Have a listen to "Sweeter than any sweets".
Fond memories South of France (Ariege) 2008 summertime in the midi pyrennes

thanks Bill!
 WonderLizard wrote:
Maybe. Maybe not. You can patronize anyone of half a dozen Greek restaurants in Detroit's Greektown which feature belly dancing. It may be a Middle Eastern tradition, but it seems to have been adopted.
 
...likewise, i've patronised more than one greek restaurant operated by first-generation immigrants which featured belly dancers as regular entertainment...still, despite the considerable cuisine and cultural overlap, one would be well-advised not to conflate greece with turkey in the presence of hosts from either country...
I'd love to catch her in a live show
The first time I was exposed to Loreena McKennitt was in an upscale mall at a "discovery" type store. They had lots of CDs along the wall and her one where she is standing on the cover...The Mask & The Mirror just called to me. Seriously, I was so drawn to it and at the time I had no idea who she was. I was compelled to buy the CD......and of course I was hooked from then on.......
 d-don wrote:
Loreena, will you marry me?
 

Do you want her to have your baby?

This song is groovy...  love it...  hope you have a spring in your step this winter night, friend...
 
 Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
 vstg005 wrote:
acceptable at a greek restaurant during the belly dance{#Bananasplit}, too boring anywhere else.

This is Turkish, not Greek, and neither Turks or Greeks do belly dancing, which is more a Middle East Arabic tradition. Look, there is something farther than your local Walmart Superstore and the big blue pond.
 
Maybe. Maybe not. You can patronize anyone of half a dozen Greek restaurants in Detroit's Greektown which feature belly dancing. It may be a Middle Eastern tradition, but it seems to have been adopted.
LM annoys me.  That warbley voice is chalk on a board.

Nice segue from TMBG to Loreena McKennitt's Istanbul, Bill.
 vanmas wrote:
She sings beautiful... although this is not her best album or song.
I like the Celtic songs more than the Arabic ones...
 
I would expect to like the Celtic ones better, but I really like the Arabic ones more.  
{#Sunny}
She sings beautiful... although this is not her best album or song.
I like the Celtic songs more than the Arabic ones...
She haunts...

It's very compelling to listen then seek more....
 hbs47 wrote:
Love this ladies music. We are seeing her in April can't wait. 
 

I've seen her twice or 3 times now, and it's an AMAZING show every time.
Love this ladies music. We are seeing her in April can't wait. 
Istanbul two times in a row.. someone got stuck on Turkey and I like it
Luv it too!!
Love Ms McKennitt
 markymarkmon wrote:

Welcome to Costco. I love you   Welcome to Costco. I love you    Welcome to Costco. I love you  Welcome to Costco. I love you
 
Idioacracy was a fantastically funny (and mind numbingly horrifying) movie.  What makes it all worse is the fact that I know people like that!

Greetings from istanbul! Thanks for that lovely music.
 Lrobby99 wrote:
I liked it. Turkish is good in my book. A lot of things from Turkey I like.
 



Except for that unfortunateness with the Armenians (and Greeks).
I liked it. Turkish is good in my book. A lot of things from Turkey I like.
 westslope wrote:

Should one of us call social services?

 

Watch the bass and sub-woofer on the children.  The odd friend of mine can play music loud enough to compensate for damaged hearing.  Beyond "filling the room".  Asking them to turn it down is like asking a tobacco addict to smell fine food or pick up a wild animal in the bush.  Cognitive impairment.

 
I am one of those rare tobacco addicts who can smell fine food and a fart at 20 paces. Not going there with picking up wild animals but I can say one of the reason I still smoke is that if I didn't I most probably could not stand to be near any un-showered peeps, anytime, anywhere. 
That said, great tune !!!!!!!!!!!! 
Hypnotic.  Trying to work and all I can do is try to keep from swaying back and forth.
Fast or slow, I love those rollicking Eastern beats
I've been a fan of Loreena since I first saw her busking at the St Lawrence Market in Toronto 20 years or so ago
Apparently Momma Loreena's got a squeezbox!

Loreena McKennitt
Loreena, will you marry me?
 Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
 vstg005 wrote:
acceptable at a greek restaurant during the belly dance{#Bananasplit}, too boring anywhere else.

This is Turkish, not Greek, and neither Turks or Greeks do belly dancing, which is more a Middle East Arabic tradition. Look, there is something farther than your local Walmart Superstore and the big blue pond.
 
This is incorrect information. Please expand your research.

The transition to this tune from the other "set" of music behind this one . . . on this day, elevates my like of Loreena and "Gates" today.  Thanks Bill


Brr.
Very nice mood...
 4merdj wrote:
Deliciously enthralling ... 
 
true that!

gabeler wrote:
this song slowly brings burns you down . . .
Fixed. Never gave Ms. McKennitt a second glance, might have to now.

I'd been wondering when Bill was going to play this one and "Istanbul Not Constantinople" back-to-back. It's been a slow week. {#Propeller}
Nice theme going on here. You're making this Realtor's open house less boring!
caught her show at the Pyramids...enuff said!
"Is that a real oud or a Sears oud?" Or does it even matter? Just nice to see a magnificent musical culture embraced......

really nice song :)
 Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
 vstg005 wrote:
acceptable at a greek restaurant during the belly dance{#Bananasplit}, too boring anywhere else.

This is Turkish, not Greek, and neither Turks or Greeks do belly dancing, which is more a Middle East Arabic tradition. Look, there is something farther than your local Walmart Superstore and the big blue pond.
 
Welcome to Costco. I love you   Welcome to Costco. I love you    Welcome to Costco. I love you  Welcome to Costco. I love you
Oh, man - if Bill doesn't follow this with They Might Be Giants, he's missing an obvious and wonderfully-demented segué opportunity... {#Roflol}
 vstg005 wrote:
acceptable at a greek restaurant during the belly dance{#Bananasplit}, too boring anywhere else.

This is Turkish, not Greek, and neither Turks or Greeks do belly dancing, which is more a Middle East Arabic tradition. Look, there is something farther than your local Walmart Superstore and the big blue pond.


 vstg005 wrote:
acceptable at a greek restaurant during the belly dance{#Bananasplit}, too boring anywhere else.
 
You wish.

This is Turkish at its finest ;)

this song slowly brings you down . . . 
 FancyFractals wrote:
Always makes me want to dance. Put on the zils and make with the swaying and hip circles. get the veil out..my cat is laughing at me again...sly puss she is...
 
Whoo!  You go, Fancy!

acceptable at a greek restaurant during the belly dance{#Bananasplit}, too boring anywhere else.
Always makes me want to dance. Put on the zils and make with the swaying and hip circles. get the veil out..my cat is laughing at me again...sly puss she is...
 westslope wrote:

Should one of us call social services?

 

Watch the bass and sub-woofer on the children.  The odd friend of mine can play music loud enough to compensate for damaged hearing.  Beyond "filling the room".  Asking them to turn it down is like asking a tobacco addict to smell fine food or pick up a wild animal in the bush.  Cognitive impairment.

 
Thanks and sound advice. My kids are actually over 19 and likely doing more damage to their hearing with the ipods! I have tried social services - they won't take em. They listen to RP so I have to add - just kidding they are keepers.
Deliciously enthralling ... 
 martinc wrote:
My kids try to squeeze out the windows in the back of the car when I play this and I play it loud. You can feel the bottom end of the tunes then. My poor kids. But they listen to Hendrix like that too!
 

Should one of us call social services?

 

Watch the bass and sub-woofer on the children.  The odd friend of mine can play music loud enough to compensate for damaged hearing.  Beyond "filling the room".  Asking them to turn it down is like asking a tobacco addict to smell fine food or pick up a wild animal in the bush.  Cognitive impairment.



 philbertr wrote:


You have RP played on your employer's office speakers?  Woah!  Cool employer, dude!  What are you complaining about?
 
{#High-five}

 buzmaggie wrote:
dud!
 
Dude! :(

dud!
 Sloggydog wrote:
A gorgeous belly dancing friend of mine introduced me to Loreena McKennitt.  Now i see her dancing in my head when i listen to her music ...what's not to like?
 

 whtahtefcuk wrote:
God offal
 
Yes, well, you've certainly proven yourself an expert in THAT.
 MNJosh wrote:
Consistently beautiful, intricate, and meaningful.

Although in trying to be objective, I do hear some of the songs on An Ancient Muse written in similar keys and with similar melody lines as others on previous albums. But when I dive further into the inspiration behind the songs and the stories they tell, I realize that sounding similar isn't as relevant to the creativity and integrity of her music as is the passion, intelligence, and insight.

With the knowledge and understanding of history, culture, and how the two have interacted and shaped each other over the last several thousand years, I think she should sit in some advisory capacity to governments. *grin* Or, to the very least, teach a Masters course at a university.

It's unfortunate that some folks chalk up her music to spacey/new-agey/crystal-buying fluff. By dismissing it and not bothering to investigate further, they miss an opportunity to discover something about the past of our world, and in some respects, how we came to be where we are.

And if you've bothered to read this far, thanks. ;)

 
Great thoughtful post!
God offal
it's  multi-national .... it's  Beautiful ...It's got my 10!!!
Does the ensuing track surpass the wonderful oud intro? For me personally, arabic music stands immensely strong and proud, to say the very least, on it's own.
For me any opportunity to witness this fact is, at least, wonderful.
Now for contrast, how 'bout some 'white boy/gal' music?
Ah, Bobby you say...............................!{#Clap} 

 krg123 wrote:
Oh this is so overplayed here - I feel like I hear it daily. It was OK the first few times, but at this point it's really rather like fingernails on a chalk board. And no I can't turn down the volume because it's on the office speakers.

 

You have RP played on your employer's office speakers?  Woah!  Cool employer, dude!  What are you complaining about?
I second that eight.
 Pieter wrote:
Isn't it pretty boring though?
 
So boring - I give it an 8{#Meditate}
Isn't it pretty boring though?
Mmmm!!!!! Love her forever.