Jazmine writes: It is two days since I saw the London Philharmonic Orchestra perform the soundtrack live to the movie, and I’m still pretty awestruck by the whole experience. I spend a lot of time at various live music events, and every so often one I find something that moves me more than most. This was one of those occasions.
It was the first time I’d been to see a live orchestra, but it certainly won’t be my last. I spent much of my time fixated on the various players, and finding myself completely absorbed by the swells in the music. There were parts of it where I closed my eyes and allowed the sounds to paint wonderful pictures in my mind, much like they do when I listen to the soundtrack at home, but more intense, and more vivid.
Howard Shore & Doug Adams were both present, and gave an insightful talk before the show started. Howard talked about how he created the different themes for the various races, and how the choir had to learn song parts in five Tolkien languages. He shared a few tricks with regards to how the achieved particular sounds, which was fascinating. Isengard? Think clunking chains on piano strings! They also stuck around after the show to sign CDs and programs, both were extremely generous with their time, and it was a privilege to get to meet them.
As far as London is concerned, they could not have picked a better setting. The RAH is magnificent, it’s splendour perfectly complimenting the performance. I am already excited about The Two Towers next year. The battles in FoTR were accompanied by overwhelming riots of sound from the orchestra, building up to immense crescendos; it leaves me wondering how the battle soundtracks from the second movie will sound performed live. Bigger? Certainly. Better? Well, I shall have to wait and see, but if this was anything to go by, I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Those of you who are going to see this at Radio City Hall later on in the year are in for a big treat. Enjoy!!
Tickets for the screening of FOTR with a 300 piece orchestra are available online at: www.radiocity.com and www.ticketmaster.com
