Lee Ann writes: Last night my family and I had the privilege of attending the world premiere of “Songs of Journey’s End,” a song cycle of nine of Tolkien’s songs and poems with music composed by Christopher Palestrant and sung by mezzo-soprano Drea Pressley, with piano, viola, and oboe accompaniment.
The cycle includes “Upon the Hearth,” “I Sit Beside the Fire and Think,” “In Western Lands Beneath the Sun,” “All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter,” “Song of the Elves Beyond the Sea,” and “Bilbo’s Last Song.” The three versions of “The Road Goes Ever On” were used as a ritornello (a short interlude between other songs).
The music is gorgeous; we especially enjoyed the last four selections. Ms. Pressley’s voice is perfectly suited to this music, and it was clear that all the musicians enjoyed themselves. The performance was excellent!
Hopefully the cycle will be recorded soon.