Recap: FOTR Live at London's Royal Albert Hall
Fan Comments
“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 Royal Albert Hall is magnificent, it's splendor 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!! ”
—Jazmine
“The concert itself was just... fantastic. It has been hard to describe to people who never experienced it, how brilliant it was. And it has been difficult to even talk with my brother about it, as finding the right words that do the music justice is hard. But I think we both know what the other felt as we sat listening to some of our favorite themes, that in some cases were so loud, you could feel the floor and chairs vibrating. I have never experienced anything like it before, and I would have a hard time thinking of a better three hours I have spent than being there that night.
It was so strange that five hours previously I had been at home in Northern England, and there I was in one of Britain's finest buildings, in a city I had never been to before, watching my favorite film and listening to such a magnificent score performed live. I truly never thought I would ever have the opportunity to experience anything to do with LOTR again, after missing out four or five years ago. But I am so glad I was wrong.”
—Ceryn
“It was probably the best live music performance I've ever experienced! The orchestra was so amazing that it was like I was listening to the CD... I was constantly getting goosebumps throughout the night. Bravo to the LPO, The London Voices, The London Oratory School Schola, and all the soloists and of course Ludwig Wicki!! Truly an extraordinary performance!
Also it was a dream come true to even see and breathe the same air as Howard Shore, then getting all my complete recordings copies signed by him, I still can't believe it, I have to look at it every morning I wake up to see that it's true! After attending the preview, now I'm even more anxious to get the book in October! It's really going to be epic, congratulations again Doug Adams! (Looking forward to get it signed next year when you're here with The Two Towers :) )
That's all I can say, it was one of the most memorable days of my life.”
—David
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