The Lord Of The Rings [CD+DVD]

The world's most spectacular musical The Lord of the Rings is finally transferred to cd and I have to say that the results are breathtaking. With music by Finnish group Värttinä, Bollywood genius A.R. Rahman and home grown talent Christopher Nightingale, The Lord of the Rings is a real treat to the ears. From the haunting opening of the Prologue through the energetic Cat and the Moon to the immense power of the Final Battle, the composers have brought their own musical interpretation to the story without imitating Howard Shore's music from the films and I think the piece is all the stronger and more enjoyable for it.

At times the sheer spectacle and wonder of the stage show draws focus away from the music and this cd redresses that. There are pieces of immense musical theatricality that at the same time wouldn't sound out of place on a classical music station and there are others such as the Song of Hope that fit perfectly into the musical theatre repertoire. The entire album stands up really well on its own, away from the context of the stage production.

The ever-dependable Laura Michelle Kelly turns in a faultless performance as the Queen of the Elves, Galadriel delivering a great rendition of Lothlórien, while Rosalie Craig's beautiful voice is shown off to great effect throughout.

As mentioned by a previous reviewer, this is a double cd and features a 5.1 surround sound dvd to allow you to enjoy the music in a different setting. There's even a tremendous booklet to accompany the cd with libretto and production shots from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

I can see legions of listeners clutching their cds proclaiming it to be their precious! Count me in; I'll certainly be one of them!

This production recording has been eagerly anticipated by all who have taken the show to heart. The high lights on this album are 'The Star of Earendil (sung by Rosalie Craig),' 'Lothlorien' (sung by Laura Michelle Kelly as Galadrial and Michael Rouse) and Sam and Frodo's song 'Now and for Always' (sung by James Loye and Peter Howe), there are many more extraordinary and memorable songs which are a real joy to hear again. The music is gorgeous, romantic, fantastical, poetic and spiritual. The recording stands on it's own as a unique listening experience mixing narrative with orchestration and song.

The composers are A. R. Rahman, the Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale the musical supervisor and orchestrator. The book and lyrics are by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus.

The sound of the show is without a doubt the most refreshing I have ever heard in the West End and I can only hope that other shows will be just as brave and inventive in their storytelling.

This issue comes as a double c. d set. The second disc is a dvd which has the entire recording in superior sound and while you recall fond memories from the first time you saw it a slide show of the production is presented. Through out the 63 minute recording imagery from rehearsals to first performances have been compiled and this will be enjoyed many times over, I am sure.

There are musical choral arrangements missing which were from the Toronto Production and this may dishearten those who might have hoped for more of a mix on this album but till Mr Wallace and Company reach Broadway this recording suffices as a sublime work and I imagine an extended cast album will follow someday.

here are some of the lyrics to two of the songs:

~ Lothlórien ~
From the west she appeared, sunlight and stars in her hair
In her eyes an undying memory of home, a land that is magical and fair
When her feet came to rest, deep in a canopied glade
She lifted her face and there she danced, the realm of Lothlóren she made
Gaze on me lady of gold, reawaken my slumbering soul
Beacon of courage, summon me home, to your haven of wonders untold
Lothlórien

O child of my heart, born of a never-ending dream
You are cradled in light, bathed in an ever-flowing stream
Flourish and grow, my mystical world, here you will ever belong
Son of my yearning, daughter of hope, beautiful child of my song
Although storms may descend, mountain and valley may quake
For the days that remain, this is the promise I make
No shadow falls across this land
Before the wind and fire I stand
And you, my child, will know no harm
Enfolded in my arms
Lothlórien

~ Now and for always ~
Sit by the firelight's glow
Tell us an old tale we know
Tell of adventures strange and rare
Never to change, ever to share
Stories we tell
Will cast their spell
Now and for always

I've seen the Lord of the Rings twice now and I thoroughly enjoyed the music. It's generally less like the usual "show tunes" you'd expect from a West End musical, using more folk-type songs to evoke a another-world-like middle earth.

And the result is very different and really very good. Particular stand-outs are "the cat and the moon", "Star Of Eärendil" and "Lothlórien" - and you can see all of these on the show's website currently if you want a flavour. The music is very involving, well performed and exciting.

Obviously if you're expecting Sondheim or subtlety (as I expect many of its critics did), you'll be disappointed, but if you want a dramatic score and songs, you could do far worse. It may be worth seeing the musical first if you can though!