River of Dreams: The Very Best of Hayley Westenra
About this album
Where they were
By 2008, Hayley Westenra was already a prominent figure in the crossover classical genre, having gained international fame with her debut album 'Pure' in 2003. 'River of Dreams: The Very Best of Hayley Westenra' serves as a retrospective collection highlighting her most cherished performances up to that point, showcasing her growth and versatility as an artist.
Why it matters
'River of Dreams' not only solidified Hayley Westenra's status in the operatic pop landscape but also achieved significant commercial success, charting in multiple countries and reaching Gold certification in New Zealand. The album's inclusion of songs from 'The Lord of the Rings' further entrenched her relationship with cinematic music, appealing to a global audience enamored with film soundtracks.
Essential tracks
- "Pokarekare Ana" — This traditional Māori love song highlights Westenra’s cultural roots and showcases her ethereal vocal quality, making it a signature piece in her repertoire.
- "Songbird" — Her rendition of 'Songbird' is a poignant interpretation that blends classical training with emotional depth, resonating widely with both classical and pop audiences.
- "May It Be / Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings)" — 'May It Be' represents the intersection of film and music, allowing Westenra to connect with fans of the acclaimed movie series while showcasing her operatic prowess.
Release Date
November 10, 2008
Artist Origin
New Zealand
Tracklist
- 1 Pokarekare Ana 3:19
- 2 River of Dreams 4:20
- 3 Dell’amore non si sa 3:44
- 4 Shenandoah 3:24
- 5 The Water Is Wide 3:33
- 6 Songbird 3:10
- 7 Both Sides Now 3:42
- 8 Ave Maria 3:43
- 9 Benedictus (The Armed Man) 3:49
- 10 Amazing Grace 3:41
- 11 Danny Boy 3:41
- 12 Summer Rain 3:58
- 13 Never Say Goodbye (adapted from “Pavane”) 3:13
- 14 O mio babbino caro 2:32
- 15 May It Be / Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings) 4:22
- 16 Ave Maria 2:45
- 17 Now Is the Hour (Po Atarau / Haere Ra) 3:08
