Customer Reviews

The Lord of the Rings: Symphony No. 1

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First and foremost I would like to advice all reviewer's to understand what they are reviewing before writing any reviews. I am both a musician in a symphony orchestra and wind orchestra. To me each ensemble brings something different to the scene and are special in their own way. In my opinion, Mr Johan De Meij and Mr Howard Shore are fine composers. And their pieces are superb in their own perspective. De Meij's piece was first written for the wind orchestra medium. I've played pieces by Mozart, Saint Saens, Rossini, Stravinsky etc, still this piece is hands down one of my favourites. When transcribed for the symphony orchestra, the piece became different, in a good way, due to the different instrumentation. For the benefit of others, this piece and its transcription were composed and made long before the first LOTR movie hit the cinemas. Also do note that writing music for film and music for performance on stage are two different things altogether. You can't take this piece and fit it into the film and likewise you can't take the whole film score and perform on stage. They were meant for 2 different purposes. So people, please know and understand what you're reviewing before writing anything. Reviews are meant to help too and not just to criticize. If you love music and want to listen to something different, i encourage you to get this cd. But do remember to clear your mind of Howard Shore's score before listening. I have already given the reason why. This is De Meij's interpretation of what he feels about LOTR. It is honest, superb, magnificent and evoking in its own way. Five stars.

This symphony, composed by the Dutch composer/arranger Johan deMeij, was initially written for symphonic wind band (which is kind of like a large marching band, but without the marching). Ever since it has attracted a lot of attention as one of the most popular compositions for this medium. And rightly so. The music (though clearly based on a lot of classical models) is great. It avoids all the pitfalls so commonly encountered in both music for this specific kind of orchestra (like a too heavy reliance on the brass to do all the work) and programmatic music in general (often, composers can't help indulging in clichés when writing programmatic music, which is certainly a danger with this kind of fantasy based music about a story that is immensely popular and very well-known). DeMeij did a really great job and his music is fresh and new and somehow knows to add something to the overall experience. So, it just had to happen that someone came along and made an arrangement for symphony orchestra. Now the question one may ask is what are the differences we can expect?

The symphony orchestra has (of course) quite a different composition compared to a symphonic wind band. The large clarinet section of the latter is dispensed with (its parts mainly taken over by the two remaining clarinets in the symphony orchestra and of course the string sections, mainly the violins). The rest of the woodwind section is essentially the same. The saxophones are entirely absent, with again mainly the strings taking over their parts (although the solo soprano saxophone featuring in the "Gollum" movement is of course retained). The brass section is smaller (I guess it comprises 4 horns, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones and maybe 1 tuba). So, the other, lower brass instruments common to the symphonic wind band like the euphoniums and baritones are absent Their parts are filled in by the lower strings, that is violoncelli and string basses. The percussion section is untouched and also the piano remains. The only extra addition in the symphony orchestra is the harp.

Now this difference in composition leads to differences in sound and timbre. The full, brassy sound that can be heard in the wind band recordings will never be so full when played by the symphony orchestra. Yet, you get a lot in return. The dynamic range of the symphony orchestra is larger than that of the wind band (because brass can only go that soft and still make a nice sound). The string sections can be very expressive, maybe more so sometimes than the winds. For example, the opening melody of Gandalf (the bit after the fanfare opening) is now played by the celli, which is really, heartfelt. Also, pay attention to the use of tremolo strings that give extra effect in "Gollum", not to speak of the very effective use of solo-violin and viola in this movement.

Because the symphony orchestra consists of smaller sections, the contrasts between the sections are much clearer. The rhythmical intricacies are better appreciated than in any of the recordings or performances I have heard and a lot of things are articulated just that much sharper. Also other details, like the soft or high percussion instruments or the use of the piano are better audible. Yet, the music is essentially the same (although at some times you may have the impression you are listening to another piece altogether because other things are highlighted than usual). With the original score in hand, I found that the music is never really altered and where it has to be focused on the winds, it still is. The differences are thus not world shattering but mostly subtle and very tasteful. I must compliment the arranger (in my edition of the CD, which was low budget, the arranger is left anonymous, but to my knowledge it is Henk de Vlieger) for doing and excellent job. I wouldn't have thought it possible, but the music has in some way really benefited from this transition. The recording itself is rather dry, but that's just a minor draw-back.

This music is really, really amazing. Other reviewers mention de Meij "conversing" with Tolkien and the music being a masterpiece, even better than the actual (Shore's) soundtrack, amazing, beautiful and whatever other flattering adjective you can imagine. Well, they are right. Are they ever.

I first heard this symphony not on CD, but being performed live. It blew me away and I went out of the hall unable to even speak for some time. And I remember badly wanting the recording only some 30 seconds into "Gandalf (The Wizard)", having heard his theme for the very first time.

To shorten the long tale, I managed to obtain a wind orchestra recording pretty soon in a local record store, and some time after that - thanks to Amazon - the symphony orchestra version. I am also a huge fan of film music (especially John Williams), so I was only too glad to see that the symphonic version had been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. Almost all of my favourite soundtracks were done by LSO (Star Wars, Superman, Aliens ...), and now de Meij's Symphony No. 1 - The Lord of the Rings joins the club.

Generally, this CD really rules, I can listen to it literally all day long. But there are some minor drawbacks. I agree with some other reviewers - the recording itself could have been done better. It is somewhat dry and on some occasions, LSO actually doesn't even sound quite like itself to me.

Furthermore, firmly based on the original (meaning the music as it was originally written for wind orchestra), I am not thoroughly happy with aranging/orchestration. The fourth movement displays that most evidently, especially the B part - "The Bridge of Khazad-dum", where the fortissimo sadly lacks the great drum "booms" and the music the very necessary dramatic feeling. But on the other hand, "Gandalf (The Wizard)" and "Hobbits" show the very best arranging/orchestrating side of Henk de Vlieger. Having heard the LSO version of "Hobbits" for the first time, especially the Hobbit "hymn", I was left speechless once more. It is simply beautiful, noble and truly heartfelt. (Alas, the opening fanfare of the first movement *are* overblown, sadly even when they return later in the same and even in the final movement.)

"Lothl?rien" and "Gollum (Sm?agol)" are also very good; "Lothlorien" really has that middle-earthish, somewhat medieval-baroquesque feeling about it, while the sopran saxophone in "Gollum (Sm?agol)" is geniously interpreted and played in accordance with described character itself (you know Gollum).

Being a percussionist in a symphonic wind orchestra myself, I am very much looking forward to playing this sypmhony in the near future. To listen to it on the CD and even live is one thing, but to be actually able to be a part of an interpreting team is a whole new world, so I can hardly wait for that experience as time goes on.

To conclude - this CD is of course very much worth purchasing, but I would strongly recommend to listen to the original - wind orchestra - version first and try this one immediately after that. But try it you shall, since you of course don't want to miss a lot of really great music.

This is one of the best recordings of The Lord of the Rings: Symphony No. 1 that I have heard. The quality is very good and my only complaint is that the chimes do not come through as much as I would have liked. If you want another version, played by a wind nad get the recording by the Ensemble Vents et Percussion de Quebec. It is an excelent recording and I own both. Both are worth listening to.

The Lord of the Rings Symphony was composed by European composer/arranger Johan de Meij. It was his premeire work and won 1st prize at an international composition competition in the year of its creation.

There really isn't much here you can say about the performance -- it's the London Symphony, after all! But let the buyer know that this symphony was originally composed for wind orchestra. If you want the original, untouched version of this incredible symphony, I recommend buying any one of the recordings available here on Amazon.com. I personally enjoy the wind orchestra version much more, because it offers many timbres and tone colors never previously heard out of any ensemble. But if you're a die-hard orchestra afficionado, this is the version for you.

Although this recording was released at about the same time as the first of New Line's film versions, De Meij's symphony based on Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" has been a staple of the band repertoire for quite some time. This orchestral version translates rather well, although some of the work's grandeur and weight are lost due to the smaller number of winds. The brass seems intent on making up for this deficiency though, and unfortunately is overbearing at many of the tuttis (the opening and closing Gandalf fanfares for example). Compared to Howard Shore's wonderful film score, De Meij's symphony may seem somewhat slight, but what it lacks in high Wagnerian drama it more than makes up for with its charm. The delightful final movement evoking Hobbits, with its rustic theme telescoped into an Elgarian processional for the work's climax, perfectly captures the noble, very English character of Tolkien's most famous creations. Indeed, in many ways this forty-five minute symphony captures the intimacy and warmth of the original novel that many felt was missing from New Line's larger than life film versions. A highly recommended work and performance.

Having heard this piece as a teenager in the original version for wind ensemble, I knew I had to own this CD. It was a favorite of mine then and is a favorite now. The transcription to orchestra is very well done, leaving the emphasis on the winds. The recording itself isn't great, unfortunately, and doesn't do justice to this incredible music. The music is what wins out in the end, though. Definitely worth the price.

Music = 5 stars
Recording = 3 stars

This work is fantastic. I cannot, however, get over the people who feel the need to compare this to Howard Shore's movie score. They were written for two completely different idioms; One to be a stand-alone work that tells the story on its own to be performed by a wind band in a concert hall, the other to lend drama and emotion to the story on screen. Both are great music in their own rite.

I can't say anything for this particular performance from this cd as I have not heard it, but I know the de Meij's Symphony No. 1 well and it has to be one of the finest works in the wind band literature.

This album is incredibly beautiful. It captures the raw power, beauty, and mystery that are the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Johan De Meij did an absolutely wonderful job composing this suite. When I first heard "Gandalf" I got goosebumps all over my body. It brought tears to my eyes because it was so beautiful. Anyone who is looking for a GREAT album to listen to, who loves the Lord of the Rings, this is the album that you should get!!!!!

I first heard of this wonderful Symphony when I was in 10th grade and we played "Hobbits" number V in band. I loved it as soon as I heard the first note and soon got this CD. It is fantastic and brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Now in College in band, We are playing the Entire Symphony at our Spring Concert and I can't wait. It came before the movies, and is perfectly based on the books. Get this CD if you are a lover of Classical music, Lord of the Rings, or both!