The session singer Miriam Stockley performed the vocal parts on the first four albums. Additional vocals were provided by Mary Carewe on all but Dances of Time, which saw the introduction of the Finnish Adiemus Singers (who would later reappear on Vocalise). Extra vocals and the chorus effects were created by overdubbing multitracked recordings of the singers (in some cases up to forty times) and varying the speed of the tape. Stockley was described by Jenkins as central to the Adiemus project due to her range and intonation, however for reasons that remain unclear she was not re-engaged for Vocalise.
The Songs of Sanctuary orchestra consisted of a string section augmented by various ethnic percussion instruments, with occasional further additions such as bells, a recorder and a quena. Mike Ratledge, with whom Jenkins had played in Soft Machine, contributed to the first album as well. Jenkins added brass and woodwind for Cantata Mundi, and continued to add more diverse instruments such as acoustic guitar on later albums. From Songs of Sanctuary to Dances of Time, the London Philharmonic Orchestra was used; Jenkins later formed his own Adiemus Orchestra to perform on The Eternal Knot recordings, returning to the LPO for Vocalise.
Cantilena
Adiemus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ma wi a gwi a
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ma gwi a ke ya
A ma gwi a ma gwi a gwi ke ya
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ma ki a
A ma gwi a ma gwi a
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ki ma ya
A ma gwi a wi ya
A ma gwi a wi ya
A ma wi
A ma wi ah
Aya kaya ba ya ma ya mei a ke ya
A ke ya...
Ah!
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ma gwi a ke ya
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ki ma ya
A ma gwi ma wi a
A ma gwi a wi a
A ma gwi ya ma gwi a
Repeat until fade:
Aya kaya ba ya ma ya mei a ke ya
The lyrics to Adiemus's song Cantilena do not have a direct meaning as they are in a language called "Adiemus Language," created by composer Karl Jenkins specifically for this song. However, the use of repetitive syllables and sounds create a rhythmic and harmonious effect, which works cohesively with the instrumental arrangement.
The song begins with the repetition of "ma wi a gwi a," followed by a series of other repetitive phrases such as "ke ya," "ki ma ya," and "wi ya." These phrases are sung with different inflections and variations to create a sense of progression and development within the song. The use of "gwi" and "wi" as sounds seems to add to the mystical and otherworldly quality of the song, which is further supported by the accompanying orchestration.
The climax of the song is reached with the repetition of "Aya kaya ba ya ma ya mei a ke ya," which is sung with a heightened sense of energy and excitement. This phrase, like the others in the song, does not have a direct meaning but instead conveys a sense of passion and intensity.
Overall, the lyrics of Cantilena serve as a vehicle for the stunning orchestral arrangement and vocal performance. While the words may not have a literal meaning, the sounds and emotions they evoke are powerful enough to create a captivating listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma wi a gwi a
Let us come together and sing
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ma gwi a ke ya
As we unite our voices, we create a beautiful harmony
A ma gwi a ma gwi a gwi ke ya
Our melodies intertwine and create a unique symphony
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ma ki a
Our voices rise and fall like the waves of the sea
A ma gwi a ma gwi a
Our voices blend to form a perfect choral union
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ma gwi ya ke ya
As our voices reach new heights, we experience a sense of joy
A ma gwi a ma gwi a ki ma ya
With our voices, we express our innermost emotions
A ma gwi a wi ya
We harmonize and create a resounding sound
A ma gwi a wi ya
We bring beauty and profundity with our music
A ma wi
Our voices are unique, yet they blend together perfectly
A ma wi ah
We come together and sing with one accord
Aya kaya ba ya ma ya mei a ke ya
Let us create a music that touches every soul
A ke ya...
As we sing, we become one with the music
Ah!
Our music expresses the depth of our hearts and souls
A ma gwi ma wi a
Our collective voice rises and creates a stirring sound
A ma gwi a wi a
Our harmonies and melodies show the beauty of sharing one voice
A ma gwi ya ma gwi a
Our voices take us on a journey of wonder and awe
Aya kaya ba ya ma ya mei a ke ya
Our music transcends words and speaks to our souls
Contributed by Callie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@WarhawkBeyond2040
Lots of great memories hearing this music everytime the Cheltenham and Gloucester advert used to come on seeing the image of little boy swimming underwater
@geminianimusmaximus1463
Gotta grab that pearl
@sambee8982
I was trying to find the Adiemus song that was in the advert that had that boy swimming underwater that I remember seeing when I was a kid. When I eventually found out that it was this song and the advert was Cheltenham & Gloucester, I was glad that I finally solved it. I knew that it was an Adiemus song because I recognised the vocals from the song Adiemus on that Pure Chillout CD when I was a kid.
@darkraidus
A perfect song ... Karl Jenkins is a genious of the music **DR from France**
@weeyoulee
What a melody! Wow, it gives me goosebumps!
@snorkmaiden4ever
Cheltenham and Gloucester Advert!
@nutter715854
I love this song! It sounds really pretty! =)
@carlmirzz1
bellísima.. 😘
@antoniamartins432
Thank you Very much
@marcooros9103
Let me explain You something:
On the description, You have a true about Adiemus finnish singers. But and It is verry interresting, this song is still sung by Miriam Stockley. Ofcourse, there are various techniques of recording, for example overdubbing or multitracking. An other singer was sometimes Mary Carewe. But main singer is Miriam Stockley, whom voice is verry flexible. I've noticed It on her albums too.
Finnish singers were first used on Adiemus's live performance and on album V. Vocalise. There I've noticed different voices, but still voice of Miriam Stockley is angelic. Sometimes It can misstakenly sayd, It is Enya.
I am blind, so voices for Me are verry important.