LOTR Soundtrack Discussion. Who has it?

[bskutle]

I just picked up the soundtrack for "Fellowship of the Ring" (along with "Harry Potter") on Friday. Did anyone else get it yet?

Personally, I think it's terrific so far. Howard Shore has done a really excellent job of creating an epic, powerful musical environment that is reminiscent of "Star Wars" in terms of musical storytelling (can't wait to hear it with the movie). It's both big and intimate, and the orchestrations are rich. And I love the Enya ballad that closes the disc; it's the best "ballad"-type song I've heard in years. I see this being a "Star Wars" or "Titanic"-like hit when the film finally arrives.

Anybody else care to comment.

[ak]

I've already commented in existing LOTR threads here, and have shared my complete enthusiasm for it.
As I have mentioned in some other posts, I think it's one of those "grows on you" soundtracks, which has some flashes of complete genius, and other parts that border on mediochre.
Overall, Shore has created a fabulously rich, colourful, deep, dark, epic soundtrack, which more or less perfectly captures the flowing beauty of Tolkien's novel.
There are some touching moments - The end of The Bridge Of Kazad Dum in particular - A superb slice of the score, really terrific, and is even more sad to those who know the story.

Not quite as epic as I thought it might be, but I think that suits it for the best - It's a touching compsition, which is vitally important - Choirs more often than not have a hollow sound, so some comforting music (Concerning Hobbits and the like) is more than welcome.

If the film matches the greatness of this soundtrack, well, what can one say.....

9/10

[The Heart Collector]

http://www.joblo.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000969.html

[LordKaruku]

I have listened to bits and pieces of the soundtrack downloaded off the net, but am holding off on purchasing it until after I've seen the movie. It does sound great, though! I have heard reviewers talk about the various themes that Shore uses. It will be interesting to see how these develop in the scores for Two Towers and Return of the King. Shore keeps calling the work "operatic." I can't help but think of that epic of epic operas known as The Ring Cycle (coincidence?) and thinking about the way Richard Wagner developed the themes in that throughout. Should be bliss for us score fans http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif Much as I love Williams, Elfman, Horner, Zimmer et al, I'm infinitely glad that someone with a fresh voice is doing the music for Lord of the Rings.

[This message has been edited by LordKaruku (edited 11-27-2001).]

[Alf-Life]

There were a few available to win at the pub I was in last night... but alas I only won a LOTR poster http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[James Logan]

I bought the soundtrack three days ago, and I got only a few words to say:

HOLY FUCK IT IS GOOD!!!!!

Did someone say Oscar? http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif

Really, Howard Shore did a terrific job on this one. I didn't know this guy before, so I was a little afraid, but...wow. What I great job. Listening to the soundtrack reminded of the chapters of the books, and it made me feel like seein' the movie. An excellent 10/10 or ***** soundtrack.

[Whiggles]

I think it's definitely Howard Shore's best work. I mean, as good as his scores for Mrs. Doubtfire, Panic Room and The Silence of the Lambs are, they seem a bit more generic and "backgroundish" compared to his work on The Fellowship of the Ring. It's very epic, and I love the second-last track on the CD ("The breaking of the fellowship"). It has a lot of variety to it, and yes it does grow on you. When I first got the CD, I thought "It's okay". A few days later I thought "It's good", followed by "It's great", and finally "This is the best soundtrack of the year!" I'll definitely buy the CDs for the next two films before I've even seen the films.