“Orinoco Flow,” also known as “Sail Away,” from Enya’s 1988 album, ‘Watermark,’ was a global hit that helped launch the “New Age” music genre, though Enya’s music draws from many influences, including Celtic and classical.
Enya, from Ireland, is a classically trained musician known for her lush multi-layered vocals and ethereal sound. She studied classical piano and was a teacher for a short time before launching her recording career. Working with partners Nicky Ryan (producer), and Roma Ryan (lyricist), the trio created music that topped charts, won awards, and has been featured in several movie soundtracks.
“Orinoco Flow,” named for the recording studio in London and borrowed from the name of a South American river, is one of Enya’s most popular songs and is considered a timeless classic.
I have created a piano arrangement of Enya’s “Orinoco Flow,” per the request of students. With use of syncopation in 4/4 time, and repetitive motifs, the mesmerizing melody is supported by broken chord harmonies. The left hand’s flowing eighth notes serve as the energetic “river” underneath the right hand’s soaring melody.
If you would like to learn one of Enya’s most popular and loved songs, I have created an in-depth piano lesson that teaches how to play hands separately and then together, covering note names, fingering and counting: https://learn.marisamusicstudio.com/products/courses/piano-lesson-orinoco-flow-enya
Sheet music is also available for this piano arrangement at: https://www.mymusic5.com/marisasmusicstudio/371463