Good music, but not Middle-Earthish - Just last night, I went to a concert that had Johan de Meij s first five on that track. Between the pieces, people dressed up as Gimli, Gandalf, Frodo, Smeagol, etc, would explain what was happening during the next piece.. LOL Smeagol kept on poking everyone in the band!I prefer Howard Shore s LotR music (from the movies), but this is also interesting. It doesn t have a Middle-Earthish feel to it, but the music is, for lack of better words, heroistic . It s good music for anyone, but as I said, Tolkien fans shouldn t get their hopes up. I didn t purchase the CD, but I heard the music live last night (not that I can remember it well). Like I said, the music has lots of action, some parts can surprise you (If it s the first time you ve listened to it), especially Gollum s piece.
Great Music, Find a Better Recording - I ve heard this recording. The Music is Great. De Meij is possibly the greatest if not one of the greatest composers of this time period. His use of the instruments potential is wonderful. This is truly a great work.However, I have heard a better recording. The United States Marine Corps Band. They have a recording out of the Symphony No. 1: Lord of the Rings and Stravinky s Firebird Suite. It is a live recording and simply amazing.
A sharp recording - The ensemble does have a nice edge to their sound, but I actually listened to a recording of the piece by the Amsterdam Wind Orchestra from 1990 that was recommended by a professor at the Crane School of Music. It was very musical and very moving. I believe it is also out of print, which is unfortunate because it is a wonderful recording.
Great Music, Disappointing Performance - As the title may suggest, i think this is a fabulous piece of music, however i must warn prospective punters against this particular recording, despite the composer himself being present. the woodwind are profoundly out of tune in various places and the recording quality itself is for some reason quite soft. Now, this may not bother some people, but i like my music loud and especially when it is so grandiose, as this work is. i have been told the best recording is of the u.s. air force band, which i have been unable to get hold. hope this was helpful.
A Masterpiece!! - This is truly a beautiful piece of music...both to hear and to play. I have had the privilege of doing both and am excited for our wind ensemble to perform it in June. I am so thankful to have found the recording!!