benhall.1 wrote:
Er ... OK then. I'll bite.
I don't see those things as contemplative. They come across to me as being merely saccharine. Too cloyingly and knowingly folksy, with way too much in the way of electronic effects for me.
There! That's got
that out of my system!

Well, seeing as Enya was mentioned (with tongue in cheek, I hope), I could not fail to mention Ms McKennitt

Contemplative... perhaps not, but if Gregorian chanting, coquettish dashes of near eastern influences, and lots of reverb don't qualify as mystical, I don't know what does

Or were you referring to Fahy's tune?
s1m0n wrote:
Or too early. Personally, I'd file McKennitt under "schmaltz", which is about as far from mystical as it gets. But, if that's the sort of thing you like...
Seeing as we are in the Irish Trad forum, I can see why you would say that. In fact I agree with Ben's designation (
too cloyingly and knowingly folksy). However, having said all of this, I do have to say I enjoy her music, not necessarily for the commercial qualities advertised and perceived as aethereal/new-age/Celtic-mystique kind of thing (or by you as schmaltz), but for the music itself.
Back on topic:
Farewell to Glasgow, based on an air called Fagail Glaschu. Not sure if this fits the bill completely, but it works great for low whistle.