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Magdalena

by Marketa Irglova

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about

I have always wanted to write a Christmas song. One that captured the essence of what I believed Christmas to be about. A magical time of anticipation and excitement, filled with a joyful, childlike sense of wonder. A hightened feeling of presence where the world seemingly slows down in pace and quiets down in volume. A deep and profound stillness within, out of which connection is born. A connection to the past and the future, to people near and far, friends and strangers alike. For that reason I have always been more drawn to carols about the Nativity story, rather than Santa Clause and presents. I love imagining Bethlehem and the star, the three kings, a humble manger and a baby being born. Magdalena did not start as a Christmas song, but became one as I followed the direction in which it took me. It did not, however, become a Christmas song about joy and magic in the air. Rather a song about coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, and the converations one continues to have with them in one’s mind, even after they are gone. Leading up to Christmas, I became aware of how such feelings intensify during this time of year. I imagined a church on Christmas Eve, and put myself there, as a person trying to make sense of things, find hope, and feel gratitude for this life we’ve been given. For no one really knows how long we have. Let us be good to one another, be tolerant and forgiving, patient and mindful. Love each other well and wait not for tomorrow to do better. Each moment is an opportunity for more love. More presence. More peace. For me, that is what Christmas comes to remind me of each year. And that is what Magdalena is about. I truly hope it strikes a chord with you. Many blessings to you all.

lyrics

Magdalena

Magdalena, I long to know,
How did you let your Jesus go?
How did you live after he died?
Where did you walk without him by your side?
Magdalena… Magdalena…
Hear the world go quiet,
On this starry night…
I have come to find you,
Here in this house of God.
I have built a wall around me,
No one is getting through…
You would have the answer,
You would know what to do.
I miss you this time of the year,
When every song in the world sings of cheer,
You would have wrapped all the gifts by October, and
We would be lighting the tree early November,
This Christmas Eve I long to believe,
That one of these stars is you,
In December we remember,
To be kind and gracious,
To give thanks and have patience,
To play and be joyful,
To forgive and help one another, because
No one really knows how long we have,
Before our light goes out, and
If we flicker and shine,
Like you up there tonight, Divine
Oh Holy was the night you were born,
Oh but heavy was the crown you had worn…
Candles burning, church bells ringing,
People gather, the choir is singing to you…
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you…

credits

released December 16, 2021
Music and lyrics by Markéta Irglová

Produced by Sturla Mio Thorisson

Arrangements by Markéta Irglová


Performed by Markéta Irglová, featuring Schola Cantorum and Peter Moc

Lead vocal, piano, organ, tubular bells, celesta, triangle, cimbalom, Celtic whistle; Markéta Irglová

Guitar; Peter Moc

Choir; Schola Cantorum, conducted by Hörður Áskelsson


Recorded, mixed and mastered by Sturla Mio Thorisson
at Masterkey Studios 2021

Artwork:
Painting by Julia Dávila-Lampe
Graphic design by Mio
Magdalena logo by Markéta Irglová


Released on Masterkey Sounds 2021

Marketa Irglova Music
Admin by Warner Chappell Publishing (ASCAP)

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about

Marketa Irglova Reykjavik, Iceland

Markéta received The Academy Award for best song, Falling Slowly, Irglová released her solo debut, Anar, in 2011, followed by Muna in 2014. Today she creates her music at Masterkey Studios, built by her husband, producer Sturla Mio Thorisson. Recent releases include a trilogy of singles titled Quintessence, Among the Living, and Mother. Full length album “Lila” will be out on August 19, 2022.
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