Customer Reviews

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (Limited Edition)

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2 star:		(1)
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After instantly falling in love with the music of "The Fellowship of the Ring," I was very anxious to get my hands on "The Two Towers" soundtrack to see if Howard Shore would be able to top his previous musical achievement. So I went out and bought TTT soundtrack on the first day.

Upon my first listen through, I discovered that it was very different from FotR. Some of the wonderful themes were either missing, only played briefly, or altered extensively, but many new themes were introduced to represent the new areas of Middle-earth that the members of the Fellowship explore throughout TTT. Overall, I was pleased with the score, although I felt that it wasn't as easy to hum along with as the first. However, I really did not care for "Gollum's Song" at first. Emiliana Torrini's voice just seemed out of place to me.

Because I generally liked the score, I decided to keep listening to it in an attempt to "memorize" most of it before I actually went and saw the movie. Am I ever glad that I did. The more I listened the more I grew to love the music and to appreciate all of its subtleties. I realized that it wasn't all that difficult to hum along with once I got used to it. Even "Gollum's Song" began to grow on me, so much so that it is now one of my favorite tracks. Shore uses unique instruments to give musical identities to the various cultures of Middle-earth (most notably the Hardinger fiddle for Rohan). He also uses choral work extensively, which gives the music incredible depth (particularly the Oratory School Schola Boys' Choir and soloist Ben Del Maestro).

The most notable difference between this soundtrack and that of FotR (besides the new music of course) is the pacing. FotR, for all that I love it, starts off rather slowly and doesn't really pick up until track 11 or so. TTT is more evenly paced. The exciting, slow, sad, or beautiful tracks all spread out fairly evenly.

I really only have once complaint about this CD and it has nothing to do with the music itself. The limited edition is not worth the extra money. The bonus track "Farewell to Lorien" is good, the booklet is a nice thing to have, and the fancy case is cool, but they are nowhere near worth the extra [$$].

Standout Tracks:
"The Uruk-hai"~ the Fellowship theme in its full glory with a hint of something new
"The King of the Golden Hall"~ the Rohan theme
"Evenstar"~ feels slightly sad; Isabel Bayrakdarian's singing is exquisite
"Treebeard"~ different from anything else on the CD; perfect for our favorite Ent
"Isengard Unleashed"~ my favorite track; the Boys' Choir is simply stunning
"Gollum's Song"~ it may take a while to get used to, but it will grow on you; the lyrics and Emiliana Torrini's voice wonderfully reflect Gollum's inner turmoil

Bottom Line: The perfect musical continuation of the trilogy and a joy to listen to, but don't waste the extra [$$] on the limited edition.

This soundtrack for the upcoming Two Towers film is an excellent successor to the beautiful compositions Howard Shore created for The Fellowship of the Ring. Several themes are repeated, including that used for the Fellowship as it traveled through Eregion and the one used for the hobbits, but most of the work is new and brilliant. There are elements evocative of Asian and African music, which helps depict the vast landscapes of Middle earth.

The Two Towers is a darker, more violent book than the Fellowship, and this is reflected in this soundtrack's music, especially in selections like Foundations of Stone and the Riders of Rohan. The Passage of the Marshes is the eeriest piece, with elements reminiscent of horror movies. Dark but very heroic are Helm's Deep and The Hornburg, which exemplify battle music.

I think my favorite piece is The King of the Golden Hall, which majestically evokes Meduseld, the palace of the Kings of Rohan. I also loved Evenstar, which is an ethereal reminder of Elven beauty.

Gollum's Song was probably the biggest surprise to me. Listening to it, I understood the pity Bilbo and Frodo felt for the miserable creature, consumed by the Ring and horribly aware of all he has lost forever.

If you buy the Limited Edition you get a nice leather like case and an interesting twenty page booklet with pictures from the movie and of the production crew. There are also lyrics to a couple of songs not included in the CD, including The Missing, which is rendered in Old English, and The Ents, which is in Sindarin.

As I listen to this CD and await the movie, this thirty year Tolkien fan can find much to admire, little to regret, and nothing to reject. It is a worthy companion to the first movie and sets the highest of standards for the third, standards I am sure will be met if not surpassed.

This review may have minor spoilers for the next (and maybe the third) movie. It is my opinion that this soundtrack has more emotion than the Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack (with the exception of The Breaking of the Fellowship, which was heartbreaking). The Fellowship of the Ring's soundtrack introduced you to themes: Rivendell, Lothlorien, Hobbiton, etc, and was mainly exposition, and was appropriate to a beginning of a trilogy. This soundtrack takes those themes and instills them with heartfelt emotion. I'll review it track by track:

1) Foundations of Stone. This song begins subtly, with the Ring theme (the same theme that opened the credits to the Fellowship of the Ring.) It has beautiful woodwinds, but then moves to the music that accompanied Gandalf's stand against the Balrog, but then it moves to new ground. Intense, but ultimately triumphant.
2) The Taming of Smeagol. This begins with the hobbiton theme (For Smeagol). The beginning is sad, with a wonderful vocal backdrop. But then it gets slightly angry (for Gollum). It begins to have a strong sound, but ends quietly.
3)The Riders of Rohan. This begins with a strong and triumphant feel, then the Rohan theme is introduced, which is worth the entire cost of the album. Norse, slightly Celtic, and sad. Shakespearean, almost.
4)The Passage of the Marshes. Creepy, creepy, creepy. This song begins with strings, but then introduces a haunting choir. Who else but Howard Shore could give voices to those inhabiting the Dead Marshes? ("I saw them: grim faces and evil, noble faces and sad. Many faces proud and fair, and weeds in their silver hair." -Frodo.)
5) The Uruk-hai. This song begins optimistic, charged with the fervor of the Three Hunters. But then it has the themes of the orcs - those from Barad-dur and those from Isengard - clashing. I can't wait to see this fight.
6)King of the Golden Hall. This begins with the Rohan theme, but sadder. It speaks of a sad and noble people. But then it is menacing (Wormtongue and his cronies?), but it ends optimistic, and it is easy to identify the music that will accompany Theoden's healing.
7) The Black Gate is Closed. This begins with a clashing and loud version of the Barad-dur theme. Ominous and scary. The music rises in crescendo, to a climactic and somewhat hopeless sound, perfect for Sam and Frodo's feelings as they overlook the Black Gate. The Ring theme returns, and this song ends quietly - but no less intense.
8) Evenstar. This song is wonderful. The only quibble I would have is that the voice sounds slightly digital. But other than that, it is a beautiful song, fitting for the Evenstar herself. It is slightly sad and melancholy, portraying the feelings of Arwen in choosing to part from her people.
9)The White Rider. This song begins loud, loud, loud. Will it play during Gandalf with the Balrog on the peak of Zirakzigal? This song has a lot of brass in it, and ends mainly with a choir and strings.
10) Treebeard. I was slightly surprised with the oboe as Treebeard's instrument, but it works. Very well in fact. This song begins ominous and heavy, but lightens slightly as the oboe enters. With a some sort of drum?
11) The Leave Taking. This is the highlight of the soundtrack for me. Howard Shore takes the themes of Rivendell and Lothlorien and makes them even more sorrowful. The elves are fading from Middle-earth, and this music holds their emotion perfectly.
12)Helm's Deep. This song deals with the clashing of orcs and men. It is a very hurried song, but in the middle, there is a wonderful vocal piece, and sounds very victorious. This part of music is heard in one of the recent TV previews.
13)The Forbidden Pool. Very ominous and perilous, but eloquent. For a moment it is reminiscent of the Passage of the Marshes, but very brief. Then the music that played for the temptation of Boromir, that wonderful boy's choir, is the same that plays for the temptation of his brother. Great touch. The song ends on that note.
14) Breath of Life. This is another of my favorites. The voice is full of hope. It reminds me of The Mists of Avalon soundtrack, but still has a decidedly Shore sound. It ends triumphantly.
15) The Hornburg. Begins with the Rohan theme, and increases slightly in intensity, with a great choir in the background. Very optimistic, like the tide of Helm's Deep may turn in favor of mankind. A lone trumpet blares in the middle. There is an elven theme in here. I believe its Lothlorien, but in a manner I've never heard before.
16) Forth Eorlingas. This song is full of hope, drive, and determination. Great vocal work here. The Rohan theme in this song is so wonderful. Not sad, but victorious. The Fellowship theme enters, which surprised me. It ends with one boy singing, in elvish? I'm not sure.
17) Isengard Unleashed. This song begins with a woman singing, with a choir answering. I believe she is on the Fellowship of the Ring's soundtrack. This song must accompany the Ents destroying Isengard. It is full of clashing, tree vs. rock. The Isengard theme plays, but another theme overtakes it, defeating it.
18) Samwise the Brave. This song is probably the most like the Fellowship's soundtrack. The hobbit theme enters, and then is backed by an entire orchestra. Some of the same music from the Breaking of the Fellowship is re-visited.
19) Gollum's Song. I have a feeling that some fans are going to love this song, and some are going to hate it. The music is wonderfully sad and tragic. But her voice is different. But I believe it fits for Gollum. Sad and menacing. It is my opinion that the feelings of Gollum could not have been captured any other way.

In conclusion, Howard Shore has again brought Middle-earth to startling, vibrant life.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers soundtrack (limited edition) is 1) an excellent score cd 2) a worthy companion to its predecessor the Academy Award winning The Fellowship of the Ring. Howard Shore returns to write the music for the next chapter of Jackson's films. The Two Towers has a mixture of new and old themes. Enya, a fixture on the Fellowship soundtrack is not featured on the Two Towers soundtrack. The Fellowship theme, the Isengard theme, the Rivendell theme, the Mordor theme, and the Hobbit theme all make reappearances, but added amongst them and comprising most of the cd are new themes. The Rohan theme is a very Vikingish theme replete with strings and percussion. Treebeard's theme, is a very soft kind of "forresty" music with a chorus to give it a mysterious air. It has many of the same qualities as the Ewok theme in Return of the Jedi. Arwen's theme is different from the first soundtrack, first because there is no Enya and second because its more of a melancholy love theme. Gollum's theme matches the character, kind of slimy sounding. As in the Fellowship, Shore uses different choirs very effectively, giving the elves an ethereal sounding choir, etc. The limited edition also contains a bonus track from the extended Fellowship movie. "Farewell to Lorien" is a fine addition particularly if you can save it to your computer and place it back in the Fellowship as I did. The only complaint I have about the Two Towers soundtrack is the second to last track "Gollum's Song" sung by Emiliana Torrini. I found this song to be out of character with the rest of the cd and didn't much care for it. Unlike Enya's "May It Be" from the Fellowship soundtrack, "Gollum's Song" employ's no elvish and really just sounds creepy. Fitting for Gollum but not I think for this cd. However, it does not detract at all from the listening experience. The Two Towers is an excellent cd, and while it does not surpass the Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack it is its equal.

The tide has come in for Howard Shore, with his compositions for the Lord of the Rings movies. He began composing in August of 2002, and reprised his efforts from The Fellowship. The music fits perfectly for each sequence, from the mournful sounds of Gollum's Song, to the triumphant strains of Forth Eorlingas. Shore's theme for Rohan is so fitting to the medieval air that the Rings movies carry.

Here's my brief commentary on highlights from the CD.

Foundations in Stone begins as the movie begins: An air journey over the snowy mountains, and then a plunge into them to find Gandalf in the midst of his cataclysmic confrontation with the Balrog. In the first movie, we left Gandalf and fled with the Fellowship. In this movie, we plummet with him as he battles midair with the Balrog. The choir that we heard in track 13 of the first soundtrack comes back to provide the same "ancient powers" sound. Indeed, this track could be considered the grandiose sequel to Fellowship's Track 13.

Track 4 is rather ghoulish, and should only be played if you wish to relive the moment when Frodo is pulled down into the marsh, or if you want to play theme music for Halloween. It's not a tune worth re-listening to, but brilliant in that Shore can convey such horror in his music as is shown in the movie.

Track 5 is the next really good one: We join Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as the trek across the plains of Middle-Earth in pursuit of the band of Uruk-hai and their kidnapped hobbit-friends. The magnificent tune of the Fellowship is reprised.

Track 5 finds the three Fellowship members joined up with the newly-returned Gandalf the White, and the four trek to Rohan to meet with King Théoden. We hear the theme for Rohan played on a violin-like instrument (Hardinger), and then an intense moment when Gandalf casts out a spirit of weakness from Théoden, and then glory as Théoden rises anew from his throne.

Track 12 finds our magnificent four along with warriors from Rohan battling Warg-riders, and then arriving at the stronghold of Helm's Deep.

Track 15 conveys the sound of preparing for battle, and then hope un-looked for comes in the form of a large troop of Elves. The music is a welcome variation on the mournful tune from Lothlorien; almost a military march tune. Great stuff.

Track 16 is by far the best of the CD: The warriors of Helm's Deep make a valiant last stand, and look up to see Gandalf the White ride to their rescue with Eomer Roosevelt and his Rough Riders of Rohan in tow. This track is stacked with music from the cleansing of Isengard as well. The track opens with a choir building up to the majestic ride forth from Rohan and ensuing battle. Then a glorious rendition of the Rohan theme as Gandalf arrives, and then it all turns dreamlike as the tide of the battle is turned. Best track in the CD.

Track 18 is just a nice tune, as the hobbits overcome some of their dangers and continue on in their trek to Mordor and the fiery Mount Doom. It turns sour as we find Gollum plotting to lead our hobbit heroes into a trap, and warms into track 19, Gollum's Song.

Track 19 is a sad theme for Gollum. The singer supposedly has a pretty voice, but in the song it is rather sad and raspy. But then, appropriate for Gollum. It climaxes in a majestic brass version of the Theme for Rohan. Excellent ending to the movie and the regular soundtrack.

Bonus Track 20: I haven't seen this scene from the movie yet, so it does not bear any special significance for me. I have listened to it, but it didn't impress me enough to listen again.

Wonderful music, all told. Worth buying, especially since it helps to relive movie moments.

Howard Shore has produced another magnificent soundtrack, and along with thematic elements from "The Fellowship of The Ring", "The Two Towers" also builds on it's own theme and style and appears to have the potential for another Oscar nomination and possible victory.

Without having seen the film the soundtrack is quite capable of evoking powerful emotions such as aggression, fear, passion, and loneliness, and practically leads the listener through an audio/visual tour of the book. Although all the tracks are excellent, several stand out, such as "The King of the Golden Hall", "Helm's Deep", "The Hornburg", "Forth Eorlingas", "Isengard Unleashed", "Gollum's Song", and I find myself in great anticipation of seeing the film.

As for whether it is worth the extra money for the Limited Edition is purely a personal choice, as the extras are nice, but not that extensive and the additional track "Farewell to Lorien" is somewhat non-descript and not one of the better tracks on the CD.

I'm one of those people who likes to listen to film-music before seeing the movie since, in my mind, the score should be able to stand on its own merits.

Well, Shore has accomplished this feat yet again with the Two Towers soundtrack. I am in awe of this musical canvas. It sweeps back and forth in a manner paralleling the action and drama in the novel as the heroes do all they can to withstand the onslaught of the evil that threatens to overwhelm them.

While I won't call this score darker than FotR (afterall, we are missing the superb Revelation of the Ringwraiths), it is a more complex score. There is a perpetual dilemma throughout the score... as well as a greater "maturity" as the characters, as well as the audience, understands what's at stake.

There are some powerful statements in this score. Of course, we hear the sinister One Ring motif in the beginning followed by the foreboding chanting music that dominated the Bridge of Khazadum. This is the stuff of Biblical proportions and Shore doesn't let up with that level of intensity. We hear such power in The White Rider, The Uruk Hai, Forth Earlingas, Isengard Unleashed, and other tracks. The Fellowship Theme is coupled nicely with the Rohan Theme (which may end up being Theoden's Theme) and it's nice to hear the Rivendell and Galadriel Themes as well. It was nice to hear multiple statements of what I've always assumed was Sauron's motif (heard during The Black Gate is Closed), but it's unfortunate that there aren't that many appearances of the Isengard Theme... especially given the nature of the film. I wish we had more of the Frodo Theme, although it's nice to hear the Friendship motif soaring in Samwise The Brave... only to be followed by something sinister right before the final statement of The One Ring motif. Additionally, I do lkie Gollum's Song (as well as his new theme), although it is a little different from what I expected.

Although I regret not hearing the Revelation of the Ringwraiths, this score is an excellent sequel to and continuation of the first. I'm certain that we'll hear a lot more music in the actual film that we can only hope eventually appears in the mega-edition that I'm sure will come out after the Return of the King. Speaking of RotK, can you imagine? Hopefully, we'll get a full statement of Aragon's Theme since I doesn't appear in the FotR or TTT soundtracks, but in the former film (most regally during the fight against Lurtz).

Superb.

I just recieved my Internet Limited Edition Two Towers CD on Friday the sixth of December and I have listened to it and explored its extras on the computer. This edition is breath taking. The music, though some is very familiar because of theme songs, what has been added to those songs and the songs that are incredibly new take your imagination away to a new world. It lets you visualize what you think will happen in that scene. Howard Shore's mystic melodies send chills up your back and then calming you with a sweet melody that leaves parts of your mind wandering though the lands of Middle Earth. All the instruments of the the London Philharmonic Orchestra join forces as you feel your heart race along side Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli; or walk through the darkness with Frodo and Sam; or run in fear from the Uruk-Hi wth Merry and Pippin. This lovely music mixed with the sweet, yet evil lyrics from Fran Walsh and Philipa Boyens engulf what is left of your wandering mind in the hidden, though often evil, lands of Middle Earth. The voices of the choirs are enchanting and upseting and then within an instant that ray of hope and happiness. The voice of Emiliana Torrini is bewitching giving "Gollum's Song" a eerie sound of horror and delight. Another singer that stands out is the tantalizing voice of Isabel Bayrakdarian, the woman who sings in "Evenstar". For Fellowship of the Ring, Enya's voice warned and brought assurance to the world of Middle Earth, in the Two Towers CD it is Mayrakdarian's turn. Her voice soothes the soul, while seeming to warn us about what is to come.

The twenty page booklet and the CD (not online) trading cards are perfected with their color and emotion of the actors and those who made the movie. With a short story about Howard Shore and his amazing undertaking. The lyrics are put in both languages (Dwarvin or Elvish and English) right next to each other making it easier to traslate the on the Fellowship of the Ring music booklet.

Though out of all the beauty and wonder of this limited CD, like most things, there is a problem. It has been difficult trying to find the CD attachments for the computer, such as the buddy icons, image gallery, etc. But out of everything extrodinary, a little bit of patience in trying to find it is nothing.

I would deeply recamend this CD to any fan of the movies or books, if not this one then the orginial Limited Edition.

The special limited edition of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" packages the soundtrack to one of 2002's best films in an elegant and upscale, yet still very affordable, deluxe package. Bound in blue leather, it has two parchment-look pockets inside, one containing the CD, the other containing the CD booklet on heavy cardstock paper -- this is one CD booklet that won't be in tatters after a few readings.

This album loses one star compared to the previous LotR special edition CD simply because the music didn't grab me in the same way as the previous album did. While the mournful strings of the Rohan themes are haunting and wonderful, and "Gollum's Song" is eerie, capturing both the horror and the pathos of the character, much of the album feels a bit more like filler music to bridge gaps than the original album did.

Recommended for fans of the LotR movies who want to own a handsome collectable version of the soundtrack.

I enjoy orchestral soundtracks. That being said, this CD has parked itself in my stereo and found the repeat button ever since I got it. It's rare that a CD is so evocative of the movie that it comes from; perhaps part of that comes from the skillful use of music in key scenes of the movie, but if the music were not up to par, it wouldn't matter. On this CD, everything is amazing.

Shore repeats the main themes from Fellowship of the Ring, though at times in a slightly different way, as well as adding some new ones for the new characters that appear in this film. The Rohan theme is especially brilliant - it rapidly became my favorite theme and I know exactly which songs feature it prominently. In addition, the choral work is brilliant and all of the soloists sound excellent - I was particularly delighted to see that they included lyrics, so I can attempt to sing along if I so choose. Every song is evocative, even the creepy 'Gollum's Song' at the end, which makes my hair stand on end, just the way Gollum does.

The packaging of the Limited Edition is beautiful - the CD appears to come in a little leather booklet with the CD tucked to one side and a book with gorgeous images from the movie to the other. The name is embrossed in copper on the front and it's a lovely addition to your collection - certainly not something I would mind leaving out for people to see, which isn't something you'd normally say about a CD case!

I haven't been able to get the special bonus features to work on my computer, though I haven't tried very hard. I bought the Limited Edition for a different reason - the bonus track, which is absolutely gorgeous as part of the added music from the first film. I'm desperately hoping that some day they'll follow the lead of Star Wars and release the entire score on a two disk set (or three disk if necessary!). The same goes for this soundtrack as well.

If you're looking for awesome, mood-setting, inspiring orchestral music from one of the greatest film epics of the day, look no further. This is the CD you want.