1. Windancer (3:43)

 

Though the record was never technically classified as an "international release", Secret Garden’s success developed through a fantastic enthusiasm and commitment among PolyGram and Philips Classics staff (later Universal records) on a local level. Nobody was commanded to work with this project. They were driven by a passion for the music, and have seen it as a challenge to market Secret Garden in their own territories.

While promoting and touring with the first album, Fionnuala had an accident that nearly terminated her career. After falling down a stairway, she broke her shoulder in two places. With two surgical operations, endless physiotherapy sessions, and a specially constructed metal brace - she was able to play again. Meanwhile, fueled by the success of Songs from a Secret Garden, Rolf’s creativity was in motion writing and recording for their next CD, White Stones. When Fionnuala recorded her violin parts for White Stones in November 1996, her arm still racked with pain.

 

The new repertoire was technically more challenging and they didn't have the option of her injury being an "excuse". She wished to perform even better than before. And it seems she accomplished her goal, as did Rolf in his endeavor to keep the same creative spirit alive, using the same seeds and reaping a new crop.

 

In 1998 they received an extraordinary letter from Barbra Streisand, who requested their song “Heartstrings” for her wedding. Ann Hampton Callaway wrote lyrics to the instrumental piece, and Barbra Streisand performed it as part of her wedding speech to James Brolin. She later recorded it and released it as her first single from the album “A Love Like Ours”. In her Millennium live- concerts from Las Vegas she released a second recording of it, and also included it in the “Essential Streisand” album in 2002. She kindly released a press statement saying: “I hope the people in America will discover the wonderful music of Secret Garden”.

 

In 1999 Secret Garden began working on their third album – Dawn of a New Century. Coinciding with the recording they also produced a live concert for PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) in the USA. The two-hour performance was recorded in Lillehammer in mid-Norway and was aired throughout the States and in several other continents. The program is also edited for video and DVD.

Dawn of a New Century includes 3 vocal tracks, two performed by Fionnuala, and “Prayer”, sung by the Scottish singer Karen Matheson. It also contains the epic finale “Dawn of a new century”, featuring the Irish choir Anùna. This piece was performed in the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize concert, aired throughout the world.

 

In 2000 the album Dreamcatcher was compiled for the British market. It contained material from the three first albums plus a special recording of the Christmas hymn “I Know a Rose Tree” Even if it was only intended for the UK marked it became available in the US, Canada, Ireland and in some Asian territories.

In the same period all albums was made available in printed music, arranged for violin and piano. The complete sheet music is available through this web site. As is the VHS and DVD and all the records.

Barbra Streisand used "Heartstrings" in her wedding to James Brolin and recorded the track, which was released as the first single from the album "A Love Like Ours".

The tickets for Secret Garden 2008 Shanghai Concert are on sale now!