I love this! I like how Hayley's arrangement has a different feel than Loreena's. Music isn't supposed to always stay the same. It's supposed to change with the performer. Both recordings are amazingly good.
I think this young lady has a true angelic voice. i just think that everyone is so comfortable with Loreena's masterpiece, that it would be hard for anyone to match it. I absolutely dig hayley's voice, but the country sound is what takes it away from me. adding a tin whistle could have kept in the celtic sound. Thumbs Up, Hayley. Now I have to listen to more of your music.
I totally agree. She has the rare voice which is able to stand al capella without getting boring. The songs written on her body as well. If youre a heavy metal fan, we then there simply is no base for comparing.
Your right shortround4271, I just checked Amazon and in the Editorial Reviews section for Celtic Treasure [LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION] it mentions The Mummer's Dance as the Bonus Track.
Could not agree more! It's no fault of Hayley's, but Loreena is just so much more than a beautiful voice. She is natural, raw passion, and she lives and breathes every song she touches, turning it to gold. She is one of those truly rare talents.
I agree. Much as I love all the girls of Celtic Woman, they really shouldn't try to cover Loreena McKennitt. They're brilliant and talented, but Loreena really lives and breathes everything she sings and makes it absolutely come alive. Next to her, the Celtic Woman covers all sound like voice recitals.
With the differences in style, I would not discount either Lorena or Hayley. They are both good and do justice to this song. The majors strength being their voice.
I wonder what version of Treasure you have, because no versions contain The Mummers' Dance. It can be found on the collector's edition bonus CD of the New Zealand version of Pure and the Japanese version of Odyssey.
Some people have commented that there is lack of instrumentation on Hayley's version of this song, but actually for me I feel sometimes less instrumentation is better. Sometimes a song can have too much instrumentation & can be distracting;taking away from the vocals with overpowering instrumentation/overproduction to a degree.I am one who does prefer less instrumentation on this song & nice to hear the lovely voice of Hayley.I am a Loreena fan & was fortunate to see her once in Los Angeles.
@lapuriter Mummer's Dance is a Loreena McKennitt original. I am a huge fan and I have never heard anything about this song other than it being written by Loreena. If you have any proof for your claim please let me know.
I like both the original version & Hayley's. Both have a beat & sound great. & to the person who said Enya's version comes close: Enya does not sing this song & never has, & I know because I have all of Enya's cds.
@AdoreYouInAshXI Loreena is by far my favorite artist that ever lived but Hayley has a better voice. I still prefer Loreena's version to Hayley's because there is more to a performance than a great voice. You nailed it talking about Loreena's band. How she can get those fantastic performers together to tour with her is a tribute to Loreena as a person and to her musical genius.
I found Loreena McKenitt through Hayley Westenra, listening to this song specifically. I can't really say I have a preference. I thought it was a cool song and decided I had to hear the original and found a new singer who is a harper as well.
I'd love to hear them sing it together, I think that with Hayley's (well not to sure how to put it so i wont) and Loreena McKennitt's passion it would be better then the two apart.
The chorus is where Hayley sounds closest to Loreena. However I have to agree Loreena makes this kind of song come alive. Still I love that Hayley is up for the challenge of matching Loreena.
Not necessarily. They have such different voice styles, they can't really be compared on the same level. But, yeah. Loreen's instrument version kicks this one to kingdom come. This one is just missing the "I can listen to this a billion times in a row and not be tired of it" feeling.
@Delgift Fair comment. Westenra is somewhat more "classical" Great singer. I especially like her treatments of Pokarekare Ana. L McK is somehow earthier I think.
@KimyaEn I also agree with you, might just be the fact that she can't have had as much of a connection with the song. Coming from her it just sounds like pretty words :/
If you listen to the original, it sound's like she is doing her best to imitate the vocals. I actually like it, but its a matter of taste. I honestly prefer Hayley's voice to Loreena's but both versions are fantastic...I have them both on one CD.
On another note, Hayley did an ok job on the song but Lorennas version is much better. Not just her voice but no one can top Lorennas band.. they play musical instruments like a mad genius.
One of the best songs I've ever heard, but I prefer Loreena's version better. But of course no offense! Hayley sings this song with such a voice that is undescribeable who, Loreena has as well!
She sounds alot like she might have a cold, I like the original one alot better but this one is alright though I prefer when she sings it live (she's older).
I absolutely love this song and Hayley's voice (it's gorgeous), but this made me bored. Loreena's original fully embodies the spirit of the festival she's singing about, all the wildness and fire.
Hayley is a great singer with great power and range, but this is Loreena's song, so covering her makes Hayley look kind of a cover artist.... Hayley could do much better if she made her own songs...
She has a beautiful voice, but I tend to agree with a previous commenter - she just seems a bit flat. Especially compared to Loreena, who is so passionate.
Im sorry, but I feel that she took the "essence" out of the original song. She has a beautiful voice, sure, but the song was meant to be a folk-loire Irish soul song. This is most certainly not it.
this girl can sing, she is not selling, she is singing,very very rare in this day...i can listen to her all day...all night...an angel
I am in love all over again. Both Loreena and Hayley complement this song. Both lovely women with lovely voices.
I love this! I like how Hayley's arrangement has a different feel than Loreena's. Music isn't supposed to always stay the same. It's supposed to change with the performer. Both recordings are amazingly good.
I agree with you, hayley is one of the most blessed singers in the world, but loreena is a GODDESS, no one in our life time will come close to her.
It's hard to not enjoy this song, no matter who sings it. It's a beautiful composition.
They both have very unique voices. I love singing this song.
the lyrics are taking you to another period
amazing fantastic singer
she's an angel...
I didn't know this song, I am from Italy.. I prefer this version. I love Hayley's voice.
She did good...I'm impressed.
Thanks for sharing, I bought Celtic Treasure but unfortunately I live in the US and this song was not on the US version.
I love both versions. Fabulous voices and the instruments are pleasing.
This song is addicting. I love it!
@LadyRissa211 Very well put. I am so glad that Hayley covered this song because it has introduced many more people to the wonders of Loreena's music.
I think this young lady has a true angelic voice. i just think that everyone is so comfortable with Loreena's masterpiece, that it would be hard for anyone to match it. I absolutely dig hayley's voice, but the country sound is what takes it away from me. adding a tin whistle could have kept in the celtic sound. Thumbs Up, Hayley. Now I have to listen to more of your music.
Bravo 👏👏👏.
Cool one of my favorite music artists Hayley likes my other favorite music artist Loreena's music also.
Well done - bravo
simply beautiful.
JaneAustenGirl2, yes! From Celtic Treasure Special Edition! A rare version! Wonderful!!!
I totally agree.
She has the rare voice which is able to stand al capella without getting boring.
The songs written on her body as well.
If youre a heavy metal fan, we then there simply is no base for comparing.
Genial, amo este tema, pero la versión de Loreena siempre será insuperable, ella es única...
Your right shortround4271, I just checked Amazon and in the Editorial Reviews section for Celtic Treasure [LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION] it mentions The Mummer's Dance as the Bonus Track.
声も歌も全て素晴らしい。
Could not agree more! It's no fault of Hayley's, but Loreena is just so much more than a beautiful voice. She is natural, raw passion, and she lives and breathes every song she touches, turning it to gold. She is one of those truly rare talents.
AWESOME
great voice
very good preformance
actually, i heard it was on a special edition of celtic treasure from walmart. its not from the UK, and i bought it online a while back.
@zagadka, I read somewhere that this track was on a walmart exclusive release of this album in the states.
Though the orginal is better, this is a pretty good version, I'll add it to my collection!
Chill out people, this is Hayley's interpretation, why would she want to duplicate the original? Great voice!
From the track listings on Wikipedia, this song first appeared on the Japanese version of Odyssey so this must have been recorded during that period.
I agree. Much as I love all the girls of Celtic Woman, they really shouldn't try to cover Loreena McKennitt. They're brilliant and talented, but Loreena really lives and breathes everything she sings and makes it absolutely come alive. Next to her, the Celtic Woman covers all sound like voice recitals.
both r good singing this song :]
@ObsessiveSimons
I like to follow in the footsteps of Lorenna mackennitt harley has a good future, because his voice is angelic
Yes I know Lorenna McKennit is the original artist. Her version is here on RUclips.
it would be unfair to compare it to the original,but this one has its own flavor.
With the differences in style, I would not discount either Lorena or Hayley. They are both good and do justice to this song. The majors strength being their voice.
I wonder what version of Treasure you have, because no versions contain The Mummers' Dance. It can be found on the collector's edition bonus CD of the New Zealand version of Pure and the Japanese version of Odyssey.
Some people have commented that there is lack of instrumentation on Hayley's version of this song, but actually for me I feel sometimes less instrumentation is better.
Sometimes a song can have too much instrumentation & can be distracting;taking away from the vocals with overpowering instrumentation/overproduction to a degree.I am one who does prefer less instrumentation on this song & nice to hear the lovely voice of Hayley.I am a Loreena fan & was fortunate to see her once in Los Angeles.
glad to be of service :)
@lapuriter Mummer's Dance is a Loreena McKennitt original. I am a huge fan and I have never heard anything about this song other than it being written by Loreena. If you have any proof for your claim please let me know.
I like both the original version & Hayley's. Both have a beat & sound great. & to the person who said Enya's version comes close: Enya does not sing this song & never has, & I know because I have all of Enya's cds.
nice version
She is from New Zealand.
para comparar , incluso cantando en vivo Loreena McKennitt - La Danza de Mummer HD
luciano valdivia es verdad es mucho mejor la version original de loreena mckennitt que la hayley westenra
Added captions for you guys. Enjoy :).
They're actors in folk plays called "mummers plays."
indeed
@AdoreYouInAshXI Loreena is by far my favorite artist that ever lived but Hayley has a better voice. I still prefer Loreena's version to Hayley's because there is more to a performance than a great voice. You nailed it talking about Loreena's band. How she can get those fantastic performers together to tour with her is a tribute to Loreena as a person and to her musical genius.
I found Loreena McKenitt through Hayley Westenra, listening to this song specifically. I can't really say I have a preference. I thought it was a cool song and decided I had to hear the original and found a new singer who is a harper as well.
I'd love to hear them sing it together, I think that with Hayley's (well not to sure how to put it so i wont) and Loreena McKennitt's passion it would be better then the two apart.
I like how there is less instrumentation in this version, but I like Loreena's version also.
these are the kinds of songs they sang in the kingdoms back then
The chorus is where Hayley sounds closest to Loreena. However I have to agree Loreena makes this kind of song come alive. Still I love that Hayley is up for the challenge of matching Loreena.
whats a celtic reasure?
Not necessarily. They have such different voice styles, they can't really be compared on the same level.
But, yeah. Loreen's instrument version kicks this one to kingdom come. This one is just missing the "I can listen to this a billion times in a row and not be tired of it" feeling.
What is a "mummer"?
@Delgift Fair comment. Westenra is somewhat more "classical" Great singer. I especially like her treatments of Pokarekare Ana. L McK is somehow earthier I think.
Urdolf. I'm not 100 percent sure but I think the harmony is Hayleys little sister.
@KimyaEn I also agree with you, might just be the fact that she can't have had as much of a connection with the song. Coming from her it just sounds like pretty words :/
Everything's better with a hurdy-gurdy!
to dairon below. why do you think its pagan ritual. just curious. not beating you up. i love this song. pax, father nathan+
If you listen to the original, it sound's like she is doing her best to imitate the vocals. I actually like it, but its a matter of taste. I honestly prefer Hayley's voice to Loreena's but both versions are fantastic...I have them both on one CD.
Hayley Westenra sings this well, but it feels empty without the musical accompaniment in Loreena McKennitt's version.
Hayley has a really amazing voice and I like all her songs but Loreena McKennitt's "The Mummer's Dance" sounds way better
Why?
On another note, Hayley did an ok job on the song but Lorennas version is much better.
Not just her voice but no one can top Lorennas band.. they play musical instruments like a mad genius.
@Nevermore1953 that tends to happen when you cover other people's songs
Hayley sings this far better live.
Quite different than Loreena McKennitt's version, but very cool none-the-less
One of the best songs I've ever heard, but I prefer Loreena's version better. But of course no offense! Hayley sings this song with such a voice that is undescribeable who, Loreena has as well!
Oh...whoops! Be more careful (XD)
She sounds alot like she might have a cold, I like the original one alot better but this one is alright though I prefer when she sings it live (she's older).
I know, but Loreena's version of it is better is what I'm saying. :)
I love this song pretty much, as everyone here I have a story with it, but about this version - The drums fucked up everything
I agree. It's not as good as Loreena's version, but it is at least pleasant.
25 rappers downvoted
I absolutely love this song and Hayley's voice (it's gorgeous), but this made me bored. Loreena's original fully embodies the spirit of the festival she's singing about, all the wildness and fire.
Good, but just can't match the passion and mystery in Loreena's composition.
Aww you don't understand?
It's ok... *Pats on head*...
Personally, I think for this song, Loreena's version is the best
That's her sister? Heh...cool...
Loreena is better
this song is very, very good, but haylie makes better with your voice.
It's good, but it was better hearing it live from Hayley herself.
There isnt so much energy in this version. Loreena does it with such rhythm
do you think? THe instrumentation , hurdy gurdy and such give it the feel of its time. Haley is a decent singer but not up to Loreena in my view
Mummer = Mask, I think xD
Hmmm... her voice is beutiful, but I prefer Loreena's version.
Hayley is a great singer with great power and range, but this is Loreena's song, so covering her makes Hayley look kind of a cover artist.... Hayley could do much better if she made her own songs...
She has a beautiful voice, but I tend to agree with a previous commenter - she just seems a bit flat. Especially compared to Loreena, who is so passionate.
Im sorry, but I feel that she took the "essence" out of the original song. She has a beautiful voice, sure, but the song was meant to be a folk-loire Irish soul song. This is most certainly not it.
Hayley has a great voice in this but the background music is not 10% as good as Loreena's.
i actually like this version a tad more. but when she sings may it be i prefer enya... weird.
I think haley could have done a bit better, this song doesnt need such a beat to it.
Good cover but her voice just isn't as strong as Loreena McKennitt's- it's a lot thinner. Pretty, but not as rich.
Actually her voice is good for other songs. In this song it did not fit with the theme
Nice voice...but it's just missing something....
Her accent here annoys me just a bit. Are they trying to get her the change it or something?