Blackmore’s Night – Under a Violet Moon (1999): A Renaissance Folk Rock Masterpiece
Introduction
Released in 1999, Under a Violet Moon is the second studio album by Blackmore’s Night, the folk-rock project led by Ritchie Blackmore (formerly of Deep Purple and Rainbow) and vocalist Candice Night. The album blends Renaissance-inspired melodies, folk instrumentation, and modern rock elements, creating a timeless, enchanting musical experience.
Focus Keywords: Blackmore’s Night Under a Violet Moon, Under a Violet Moon 1999, Blackmore’s Night album, Renaissance folk rock
Blackmore’s Night Band Biography
Formation and Concept
Blackmore’s Night was formed in 1997 by Ritchie Blackmore, legendary guitarist of Deep Purple and Rainbow, and Candice Night, a talented vocalist and lyricist. The duo created a project that combines medieval and Renaissance music with folk rock, featuring lutes, mandolins, recorders, and classical guitars alongside modern electric instrumentation.
Their music is known for romantic lyrics, enchanting melodies, and a whimsical medieval atmosphere, appealing to fans of both classical folk and modern rock.
About Under a Violet Moon (1999)
Album Overview
Under a Violet Moon was released through SPV GmbH, following their debut Shadow of the Moon (1997). This album solidified Blackmore’s Night’s signature Renaissance folk-rock sound, featuring a mix of lively jigs, romantic ballads, and storytelling songs.
Key tracks include:
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“The Clock Ticks On” – A mystical, atmospheric opener
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“Under a Violet Moon” – Title track with enchanting storytelling
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“Castles and Dreams” – Romantic ballad with medieval instrumentation
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“Street of Dreams” – Folk-rock melody with lyrical fantasy imagery
The album combines acoustic and electric instruments, traditional melodies, and Candice Night’s ethereal vocals, creating a cinematic and immersive listening experience.
Musical Style and Themes
Under a Violet Moon is characterized by:
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Renaissance and medieval-inspired melodies
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Folk instrumentation including lutes, mandolins, and recorders
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Themes of romance, chivalry, magic, and medieval fantasy
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Blend of acoustic authenticity and modern rock elements
This album transports listeners to a magical, historical setting, while maintaining catchy, contemporary folk-rock sensibilities.
Fun Facts & Trivia
Interesting Details About the Album
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The title track, “Under a Violet Moon”, became a fan favorite and is often played in Renaissance fairs and folk festivals.
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Ritchie Blackmore performs on electric guitar, classical guitar, and mandolin, blending rock virtuosity with folk authenticity.
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Candice Night’s vocal performance is central, weaving ethereal and mystical qualities into each song.
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Many tracks feature historical instruments, including shawms, bagpipes, and fiddles, giving the album a period-accurate Renaissance feel.
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The album helped Blackmore’s Night gain a loyal fanbase worldwide, particularly among those who appreciate folk, medieval, and fantasy-inspired music.
Commercial Performance and Legacy
While Under a Violet Moon did not achieve mainstream chart success, it cemented Blackmore’s Night’s reputation in the folk-rock and neo-Renaissance music scene. The album is frequently cited as a milestone in modern medieval-inspired music, influencing other artists to blend historical instrumentation with contemporary arrangements.
Its combination of romantic storytelling, musical craftsmanship, and fantasy themes has made it a classic within Blackmore’s Night’s discography.
Top Albums by Blackmore’s Night
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Shadow of the Moon (1997) – Debut, establishing their sound
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Under a Violet Moon (1999) – Romantic and whimsical
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Fires at Midnight (2001) – Expands musical textures
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Ghost of a Rose (2003) – Matured sound with darker tones
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Secret Voyage (2008) – Folk and world music influences
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Autumn Sky (2010) – Folk melodies and seasonal themes
Under a Violet Moon is often regarded as a fan-favorite and essential Blackmore’s Night album, defining the band’s signature style.
Why Under a Violet Moon Still Matters
Renaissance Meets Modern Rock
The album demonstrates how medieval and Renaissance music can be blended seamlessly with modern folk-rock, appealing to fans of both historical music and contemporary arrangements.
Timeless Fantasy Appeal
Its enchanting storytelling, period-inspired instrumentation, and romantic themes make the album a timeless journey for listeners seeking music with fantasy, magic, and medieval charm.
Final Thoughts
Under a Violet Moon (1999) by Blackmore’s Night is more than just a folk-rock album—it is an immersive journey into a magical, Renaissance-inspired world. With masterful instrumentation, romantic and whimsical storytelling, and ethereal vocals, the album offers a timeless and enchanting listening experience.
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