Customer Reviews

The Lord of the Rings

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the most amazing wind band music I've ever heard. De Meij's Lord of the Rings sounds absolutely symphonic and you never notice strings are missing, I think due to his incredibly sonorous woodwind and deep brass writing. Too boot, it's an exciting piece of music that catches the sweep, fear, and glory of Tolkien's story. It contains a memorable jaunty tune that IS the Hobbits, along with an oozing soprano saxophone for Smeagol--among many other delights like the brass fanfares and the ominous tread in the mines of Moria. What more can I say: if you like symphonic bands (or Tolkien) you have to hear this!

The beautiful cover of the Ring and Mount Doom is just the beginning of this wonderful piece by composer Johan de Meij. If you are a follower of orchestral music as well as a Tolkien enthusiast and this isn't in your collection, waste not another minute! Order immediately.

Johan de Meij leads the Royal Military Band plus Bilik's Symphony for Band in an expertly refined and majestic interpretation of Tolkien's immense fantasy world. From quiet lulls of the violins in "Lothlorien" to prodigious trumpet blasts in "Gandalf the Wizard" to spidery ticklings and swells in "Smeagol," Johan de Meij does not disappoint. If you rather prefer the quirky organ styles of Bo Hansson's Tolkien, well...you must be silly. Johan de Meij's portrayal of Middle-Earth is just what JRR would have loved. The CD-booklet also contains an article on Tolkien in English.

If you enjoy de Meij, also check out The Tolkien Ensemble's "An Evening in Rivendell," which is perhaps the best musical expression of Tolkien's works to date, in my humble opinion.

I have had the opportunity to play a few of these peices with my Wind enselmble....I have played the bassoon for Gandlaf the Wizard and I must say that it is as increadible to play as it is to hear.....Truely a feast for you Spirit, and a refreshing change for your ears...I reccomend all should add this to their collection......

The ensemble does have a nice edge to their sound, but I actually listened to a recording of the piece by the Amsterdam Wind Orchestra from 1990 that was recommended by a professor at the Crane School of Music. It was very musical and very moving. I believe it is also out of print, which is unfortunate because it is a wonderful recording.

I play in a community band which has played this symphony, and will be doing so again in the near future. It's as much fun to play as it is to listen to. As I play the tenor sax, I get to sit near the soprano sax - the sneaky, slimy soprano sax - that plays Gollum/Smeagol. We've also been able to hear some of de Meij's own comments on the work.

In the first movement, Gandalf's theme and Shadowfax are introduced; very exciting.

The last movement contains a hobbit dance that is lots of fun, and has a theme one can go around humming and whistling.

I believe even those not familiar with the book would find this an uplifting and dramatic work of music. For those who are familiar with the book, this is an absolute essential for your CD collection.

This is truly a beautiful piece of music...both to hear and to play. I have had the privilege of doing both and am excited for our wind ensemble to perform it in June. I am so thankful to have found the recording!!

As the title may suggest, i think this is a fabulous piece of music, however i must warn prospective punters against this particular recording, despite the composer himself being present. the woodwind are profoundly out of tune in various places and the recording quality itself is for some reason quite soft. Now, this may not bother some people, but i like my music loud and especially when it is so grandiose, as this work is. i have been told the best recording is of the u.s. air force band, which i have been unable to get hold. hope this was helpful.

I've heard this recording. The Music is Great. De Meij is possibly the greatest if not one of the greatest composers of this time period. His use of the instruments potential is wonderful. This is truly a great work.

However, I have heard a better recording. The United States Marine Corps Band. They have a recording out of the Symphony No. 1: Lord of the Rings and Stravinky's Firebird Suite. It is a live recording and simply amazing.

This is truly a beautiful piece of music...both to hear and to play. I have had the privilege of doing both and am excited for our wind ensemble to perform it in June. I am so thankful to have found the recording!!

This symphony is great! It really takes you into the books and gets you involved in the great adventure! I would highly recommend this CD to anyone!