🎵 Under a Violet Moon (1999) — Blackmore’s Night Album Guide
Released in May–July 1999, Under a Violet Moon is the second studio album by British folk‑rock ensemble Blackmore’s Night, led by legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist Candice Night. Known for their fusion of Renaissance‑inspired music, medieval melodies, and contemporary folk rock, this album cemented the band’s unique artistic identity following their debut Shadow of the Moon (1997).
Combining upbeat tracks, traditional arrangements, and heartfelt ballads, Under a Violet Moon transports listeners back in time — evoking images of dancing minstrels, historic tales, and moonlit festivities.
🗂️ Album Details
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Artist: Blackmore’s Night
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Album: Under a Violet Moon
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Released: May 25, 1999 (Europe) / July 13, 1999 (USA)
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Genre: Folk Rock / Neo‑Medieval
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Label: Edel (Germany), Platinum Entertainment (USA)
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Length: ~58:49
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Producers: Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Glixman, Roy McDonald
🎶 Official Tracklist
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Under a Violet Moon – 4:24
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Castles and Dreams – 3:41
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Past Time with Good Company – 3:26
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Morning Star – 4:41
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Avalon – 3:03
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Possum Goes to Prague – 1:12
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Wind in the Willows – 4:13
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Gone with the Wind – 5:25
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Beyond the Sunset – 3:45
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March the Heroes Home – 4:37
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Spanish Nights (I Remember It Well) – 5:23
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Catherine Howard’s Fate – 2:36
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Fool’s Gold – 3:32
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Durch den Wald zum Bach Haus – 2:30
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Now And Then – 3:12
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Self Portrait – 3:18
🎙️ Album Credits
Primary Artists
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Ritchie Blackmore — guitars, mandolin, bass, Renaissance drums, tambourine
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Candice Night — lead vocals, pennywhistle
Guest Musicians
Under a Violet Moon features a rich ensemble of instrumentalists and vocalists, including:
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John Ford – vocals & bass on select tracks
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Miri Ben‑Ari – violin
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Kevin Dunne – drums
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Jens Johansson – keyboards
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Trumpet, bagpipes, hurdy‑gurdy players & backing vocalists rounding out the album’s lush medieval textures.
Production Team
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Producers: Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Glixman, Roy McDonald
🧠 Fun Facts & Trivia
🔹 A More Upbeat Follow‑Up
Where Shadow of the Moon leaned into mystic balladry, Under a Violet Moon introduced more uptempo tracks geared for lively performances and storytelling.
🔹 Historical Connections
“Past Time with Good Company” is a traditional melody attributed to King Henry VIII, while songs like “Catherine Howard’s Fate” tell historical narratives woven through medieval folklore and history.
🔹 Rainbow Link
The closing track, “Self Portrait,” is a reimagined acoustic/medieval rendition of a Rainbow tune, connecting Blackmore’s Night to Ritchie Blackmore’s earlier rock legacy.
🏆 Awards & Impact
Under a Violet Moon won the New Age Voice Award for Best Vocal Album of the Year, recognizing Cathrine Night’s vocals and the band’s distinct sound blending medieval and folk influences.
💿 Sales & Chart Notes
The album achieved moderate commercial success, particularly in Japan, where it sold over 50,000 copies according to Oricon sales figures.
🌟 Did You Know?
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The title Under a Violet Moon is rumored to play on the name “Violet”, the name of Ritchie Blackmore’s mother, paired with “Moon” — creating an evocative medieval image.
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Several tracks on the album — like “Avalon” and “Gone with the Wind” — incorporate or are inspired by traditional melodies and arrangements.
Blackmore's Night Full Discography
Download Blackmore's Night Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Blackmore's Night - Shadow of the Moon (1997)
Blackmore's Night - Fires at Midnight (2001)
Blackmore's Night - Ghost of a Rose (2003)
Blackmore's Knight - The Village Lanterne (2006)
Blackmore's Night - Winter Carols (2006)
Blackmore's Night - All Our Yesterdays (2015)
Blackmore's Night Full Discography: Complete Guide to Albums & Covers Collection (1997--2023)
