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.
Corrente
Adiemus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A roona
ka ra ma na
a roo na
ka ra me___
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re_______ (repeat whole section twice)
A soo da pa la pa la ma____
a ma ka ra_____
pa roo da ka la ka la pa____
a ma ka pa ra ma
A loo na
ka ra ma na
a loo na
ka ra me____
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re____ (orchestra comes in & plays an
interlude)
With orch.
A roo na
ka ra ma na
a roo na
ka ra me____
A loo na
ka ra ma ma
ka ra ma re___
A loo na
ka ra ma na
a loo na
ka ra me___
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re____
A soo da pa la pa la ma____
a ma ka ra____
pa roo da ka la ka la pa____
a ma ka pa ra ma
A loo na
ka ra ma na
a loo na
ka ra me___
A loo na ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re____ (2x this,on 2nd time voices softer with
Pamela's rec.solo)
A soo da pa la pa la ma____
a ma ka ra____
pa roo da ka la ka la pa___
a ma ka pa ra ma
Pamela's solo (with sopranino & soprano)
A loo na
ka ra ma na
a loo na
ka ra me___
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re____
A soo da pa la pa la ma___
a ma ka ra___
pa roo da ka la ka la pa___
A ma ka pa ra ma
A loo na
ka ra ma na
A loo na
ka ra me___
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re_____
Orchestral interlude,part I
A-i-a a-i-a
Part II
A loo na
ka ra ma na
A loo na
ka ra me___
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re__
A loo na
ka ra ma na
A roo na
ka ra me___
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re__
A soo da pa la pa la ma___
A ma ka ra___
Pa roo da ka la ka la pa__
A ma ka pa ra ma
Woodwinds & percussion solo,then all:
A roo na
ka ra ma na
A roo na
ka ra me____
A roo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re___ (this section twice)
The lyrics to Adiemus's song "Corrente" are mainly made up of a series of syllables that don't carry any specific meaning. The use of non-lexical vocables allowed the composer to create a unique and captivating sound, drawing influences from various cultures and vocal traditions worldwide. The use of the A cappella style at the beginning of the song perfectly showcases the range of vocal tones and techniques that come together to form Adiemus's overall sound. The choir sings in a smooth and fluid style, with Pamela Thorby's striking recorder solo adding a unique dimension to the song.
The song is mainly instrumental, with a few sections featuring lyrics. The lyrics themselves are almost like an additional instrument, providing another layer of sound to the already complex composition. The orchestral interlude creates a beautiful soundscape, making use of both traditional and modern instruments, such as the synclavier and the marimba, to create a unique and captivating blend of sounds.
Overall, "Corrente" is an example of Adiemus's unique and inspiring sound, blending together different musical traditions and cultures. The use of non-lexical vocables and the intricate orchestration create a mesmerizing listening experience that captures the listener's attention from start to finish.
Line by Line Meaning
A roona
ka ra ma na
a roo na
ka ra me___
Beginning of the song with the singers using non-lexical vocables to create a soothing and calming effect on the listeners.
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re_______ (repeat whole section twice)
The singers continue with the non-lexical vocals and produce a harmonious melody that repeats twice, creating a meditative atmosphere.
A soo da pa la pa la ma____
a ma ka ra_____
pa roo da ka la ka la pa____
a ma ka pa ra ma
The singers continue with the non-lexical vocals, accompanied by the sounds of percussions, producing an upbeat and lively rhythm that uplifts the listeners.
A loo na ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re____ (orchestra comes in & plays an interlude)
As the orchestra comes in, the singers continue using the non-lexical vocals to create a melodious tune that is both peaceful and uplifting.
A loo na
ka ra ma ma
ka ra ma re___
The singers use non-lexical vocals and produce a harmonious melody accompanied by the orchestra that is both soothing and comforting to the listeners.
A soo da pa la pa la ma____
a ma ka ra____
pa roo da ka la ka la pa____
a ma ka pa ra ma
The singers continue using non-lexical vocals and upbeat rhythm with percussions accompanying them, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
A loo na ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re____ (2x this,on 2nd time voices softer with Pamela's rec.solo)
The singers continue with the non-lexical vocals accompanied by the orchestra, but this time, Pamela's solo is added, making the chorus more emotional and meaningful.
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra me___
The singers continue with the non-lexical vocals, and the orchestra accompanies them, creating a sense of peace and tranquillity.
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re____
The harmonious tune created by the singers using non-lexical vocals and orchestra continues, creating a dreamy and soothing effect on the listeners.
A soo da pa la pa la ma___
a ma ka ra___
pa roo da ka la ka la pa___
A ma ka pa ra ma
The upbeat rhythm created by the non-lexical vocals and percussions continues, accompanied by the orchestra, creating an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
A loo na
ka ra ma na
A loo na
ka ra me___
The melody created by the singers using non-lexical vocals and orchestra continues, creating a sense of calmness and tranquillity.
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re_____
The peaceful and soothing tune created by the harmony of non-lexical vocals and the orchestra continues, leaving the listeners in a peaceful and dreamy state.
Orchestral interlude,part I
A-i-a a-i-a
Part II
An orchestral interlude is added to the music, creating a break from the melody and building up anticipation for the next part of the song.
A roo na
ka ra ma na
A roo na
ka ra me___
The singers continue with the non-lexical vocals, creating a sense of peace and harmony with the accompaniment of the orchestra.
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re__
The song concludes with the singers creating a peaceful and calming effect using non-lexical vocals, leaving the listeners in a state of tranquillity.
A roo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra me____
A loo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re__
The song concludes with repeating the tune used in the beginning, leaving the listeners in a peaceful state with the accompaniment of the orchestra.
Woodwinds & percussion solo,then all:
A roo na
ka ra ma na
A roo na
ka ra me____
The song concludes with the sounds of woodwind and percussion solo, building up to the final chorus produced by the singers using non-lexical vocals and the orchestra.
A roo na
ka ra ma na
ka ra ma re___ (this section twice)
The song concludes with repeating the phrase, creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere that is both soothing and relaxing.
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC
Written by: KARL JENKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
iwonetka21
I love this song!!
My Name
just heard it for the first time today on pandora. wonderful!
weeyoulee
It was the background music for the final dance of my son's class performance and I really liked it so I had to search for it....
Geez, I thought it was sung by an African women's choir in a tribal language. But they are all Europeans. Incredible.
Augustine Wasike
Thanks for the upload, searched this for years!
Didnt know its name but heard it around 15 years back on Kenyas only national radio at the time, KBC... A treasure this one! Which language? All I know: Its some heavenly music!
Haven playz
Even though its gibberish its still a masterpiece from karl jenkins
Pati
What language is that it sound so nice
Tsunami
It's not a language, it's just vocalized sounds using the human voices as an instrument.
Mush V. Peets
Dat french horn... This piece is odd, but I like it.
StolenFrmAfrica
first time i heard this song was when i watched the lifetime movie dying to dance i think its called
Wasteland Gypsy
this makes me think of some bipedal race of cat people millions of light years from here. who just launched thier first manned rocket