Lord of the Rings Symphony

[Donaldopato]

Some of the musical wags in town are all a-twitter about the "Lord of the Rings" Symphony by Howard Shore that is being performed this weekend by the Kansas City Symphony. As it will not fit on the stage of the local hall where the symphony usually performs, it was moved to the lovely art-deco but acoustically hideous "Music Hall" of the Municipal Auditorium. The local music critic (who likes everything and writes like a college freshman taking a Music 101 course, for example: "The score is rich in instrumental color, and featured several instruments. The concertmaster played some exotic violin solos, and oboe, clarinet and Celtic flute lines were also exquisite"), thought it was impressive even though it seemed the sound and amplification was lacking. This symphony is actually a two hour long multimedia extravaganza.

I am not going to hear it and could not go anyway.. I hear it is sold out for tonight. So my question... anyone actually heard this piece? Am I missing anything??

[ch1525]

Never seen it in person, but have watched it on DVD.

It's quite spectacular. I wish it would be performed in New Orleans! Those are really some of my all-time favorite soundtracks. I have the Complete Recordings of all 3 scores. They are pricey, but very worth it, IMO.

The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (The Complete Recordings)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (The Complete Recordings)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (The Complete Recordings)

[Chalkperson]

I am proud to say that I have never seen any of the Lord of the Rings films, and thus have never heard the music...

Oh, and just so you know, the term Wag's has changed it's meaning in the UK, it now refers to the Wives and Girlfriends of the Major Football and other Sports Stars...

[karlhenning]

Never seen it in person, but have watched it on DVD.

The symphony?

Cheers,
~Karl

[Lance]

The only recording I have of that is on Reprise [48521] with Renée Fleming. Is there anything you think is more outstanding? I thought I had the original soundtrack (probably do); it may be manifested in my "shows" category.

[ChrisX]

Never seen it in person, but have watched it on DVD.

Is there a recording of Shore's LOTR Symphony out on dvd? I only know of a dvd that contains a documentary on the making of it.

[slofstra]

Hey, guess where Howard Shore is from?

The symphony was performed a few years ago by the K-W Symphony and Choir.

http://archives.theonering.net/perl/new ... 1111248248

Here is a complete Shore discography:

http://www.howardshore.com/works/discography/

Here is a previous discussion about Shore on CMG:

http://www.classicalmusicguide.com/view ... 10&t=18183

[Corlyss_D]

I'm waiting for the opera.

[karlhenning]

I'm waiting for the opera.

Wicked!

Cheers,
~Karl

[stenka razin]

For those CMGers who would like to hear what Shore's score sounds like, here are some excerpts:

[slofstra]

I'm waiting for the opera.

There was a very expensive stage show of LOTR; let's say it had mixed reviews.

[karlhenning]

I'm waiting for the opera.

There was a very expensive stage show of LOTR; let's say it had mixed reviews.

Stars Wars In Concert is coming to Boston.

Not to Symphony Hall, of course: to the TD Bank Garden ; )

Cheers,
~Karl

[ChrisX]

Stars Wars In Concert is coming to Boston.
Not to Symphony Hall, of course: to the TD Bank Garden ; )

Cheers,
~Karl

Well, Shore is doing concerts where they show one of the LOTR movies and he performs the soundtrack live with a full orchestra + choir + soloists. Apparently it is quite the experience.