About the Soundtrack
"The Merlin Mystery"
The Merlin Mystery, the musical companion to the book of the same name. Medieval ambience and Celtic styling coupled with lush orchestral soundscapes and a touch of Brit-pop sensitivity result in a unique and inspiring musical blend. The music was created by new age/Celtic group, Alkaemy, which features UK-based producer/composer Julia Taylor-Stanley, vocalist Miriam Stockley (Adiemus), and Celtic singers Shelagh and Sheryle Gwynfar.
The CD has been composed as a companion to the worldwide release of the book The Merlin Mystery. The book consists of illustrations and text that are part of an absorbing puzzle. The puzzle takes the form of a cerebral treasure hunt for the missing jewel encrusted Merlin wand. As part of a worldwide contest which begins 9/7/98 with the release of the book, the first person to solve the puzzle is awarded a $125,000 cash prize along with the Merlin wand for U.S. residents. The prize for winners living outside the U.S. includes the Merlin wand and could total as much as $2,000,000. (Worldwide contest, void in FL, MD, VT, ND. Contest runs 9/7/98-12/31/2001 or earlier if won. Call toll free 877-772-2150 for rules. All clues are in the book.)
The music of ALKÆMY was composed by British composer/producer Julia Taylor-Stanley in Tintagel which is reputed to be the birthplace of medieval King Arthur. This music is composed as a companion to the book "The Merlin Mystery," transporting the puzzler into an enhanced state as if they are viewing a film. Taylor-Stanley referred to the text and illustrations as she composed. receiving cues from the writer Jonathan Gunson, Taylor-Stanley created a soundtrack to immerse the puzzler in the story, taking the listener through the journey and to the next level of the treasure hunt.
ALKÆMY is Julia Taylor-Stanley with vocalist Shelagh and Sheryle Gwynfar and a special guest vocal appearance by Miriam Stockley (Adiemus), the voice of Delta Airlines.
UK-based Julia Taylor-Stanley is an accomplished pianist, songwriter and composer for film and television.
Her songs have been recorded by a diverse range of international stars including Diana Ross, Meatloaf, Sheena Easton and Roger Daltrey. Film credits include Turner productions, "A Man For All Seasons".
She is currently composing a classical album featuring the vocal talents of Miriam Stockley, whose recent Adiemus albums have been at the top of the British FM charts.
A Celtic album featuring Miriam Stockley is also in the works for the US market on the Earthtone label.
The music on this recording is inspired by the lyrical story and
magical illustrations of the book:
The Merlin Mystery.
Somewhere deep within the ethereal harmonies and ethnic instrumentation lie pathways to perception...can you find Merlin's Library?
THE LYRICS
| Le Morte d'Arthur |
You crossed another threshold today
And now there's just an empty space
And it can't be that warm where you are,
-Near or far
And every journey must reach an end
Is there a message you'd like to send
Are there a million Stars where you are
-Near or far
It's only love that keeps us hanging on
Until the battle in our hearts is won
On the day of reckoning, reckoning
When you pulled the sword from the stone
All The walls came tumbling down
Now all your knights have fallen to their knees,
-To their knees
It's only love that keeps us hanging on
Until the battle in our hearts is won
All your days are echoing
C'est le morte d'Arthur
Can you hear the sound of it
Tell me you can hear echoing
C'est le morte d'Arthur
Can you hear the sound of it
Tell me you can hear echoing
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| Nimue's Lament |
Somewhere in the darkest night
Peace will come, as the spirit flies
As you weave a spell by another name
Snow falls with the summer rain
Then I will come to you my love
With the passing of the days
And I will set you free each time
Your heart is bound in chains
Innocents and wiser men
will somehow be the same
And you and I
Will take our place in time
We'll find a way to fly
Far beyond the crystal sea
I can hear all your whispered dreams
And the endless signs of the ones who love
They live on in the stars above
Then I will come to you my love
With the passing of the days
And I will set you free each time
Your heart is bound in chains
Innocents and wiser men
are just one and the same
And you and I
Will take our place in time
We'll find a way to fly
Find a way to fly
Then I will come to you my love
With the passing of the days
And I will set you free each time
Your heart is bound in chains
Innocents and wiser men
Are all who will remain
And you and I
Will take our place in time
We'll find a way to fly
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| The Mystery |
I'm holding the stars in my arms tonight
Distant are the memories that you try to leave behind
And you can feel the touch
that made you go so weak
Hold onto your secrets,
'cause they're always mine to keep
Time moves in circles
And what goes around
Will come around again
I'll go on living somewhere in your dreams
You will be mine again, inside the mystery
You'll find the magic in a forgotten place
I'll be waiting there for you,
with an angels kiss to taste
And in the heart of the storm as it passes by
You can almost hear my name
in the whisper of the night
Time moves in circles
And what goes around
Will come around again
I'll go on living somewhere in your dreams
You will be mine again, inside the mystery
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| The Wand |
The fabled Wand of Alchemy
In Uther's realm now veiled by sea
Outside and in with castled view
Once on earth and under true
'Tis far beneath the shining dream
Of sun and moon, or starlight's gleam
When these orbs sheds tears of gold
A mirrored splash it sees unfold
'Tis far beneath the shining dream
Of sun and moon, or starlight's gleam
Where lies the Wand of Alchemy?
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