Search - a. R. Rahman, Varttina, Christopher Nightingale :: Lord of the Rings - Original London Cast Recording with Bonus DVD

Sublime

Horatio Guttersnipe | London, England | 02/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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

"

19 Track DVD appears Region Coded

Chad North | Lansing, MI | 03/03/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This was a very nicely done item with great music. It incorporated a booklet with photos and the text to all of the lyrics used on the discs. The additional purchase of "The "Lord of the Rings" Official Stage Companion" book made this even more of an interesting experience of sight and sound!



As such I was very eager sit back and fully listen to the included audio DVD with 5.1 Sound Mix, which I understood included a slide show. Unfortunately I was greeted with the following message from my DVD/CD player, "Playback restricted by area limitations." Apparently region coded. Although it played on my computer, without the 5.1 sound the effect of "being there" is not the same. Hence, the lower rating."

Excellent Musical Scores (Sans Dialog and Video)

Ken Reinertson | College Station, TX | 01/10/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The product is beautifully packaged with both a CD of the musical score itself and a DVD that highlights the exact same musical score with photo stills of various scenes from the Musical and also behind the stage scenes. To be clear there is not actually any video of the performance and the CD/DVD do not include the dialog that was spoken. They still want you to go see them live after all. Hopefully they come to Broadway at some point so the American yanks can see them and not have to cross the pond. All in all it's a beautiful score of music and song that certainly adds a unique dimension to the works of Tolkein."