Flashnotes - December 2002

Last Flashed:
October 19, 2003

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The "Score of the Rings" returns!  Since composer Howard Shore set the film-music world a-buzz with his award-winning, first installment for The Lord of the Rings:  The Fellowship of the Ring, the question that has burned right alongside all of the eager anticipation has been, not "Will The Two Towers be good," but "Just how good will it be?"  Suffice it to say that Shore has easily reached the bar he set for himself in 2001.  The Two Towers has a flavor all its own, yet most predictably, doesn't divorce itself from the music of Fellowship.  As the story dives into the trenches of dilemma, the score dives right in as well.  The idyllic images and sounds of the Shire are all but a memory as is the corresponding theme - except for brief statements generally connected to the tie between Frodo and Samwise.  Likewise the theme for the fellowship now represents the trio of heroes: Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas and is scantly heard in The Two Towers.

Shore certainly continues his full-force scoring rampage in The Two Towers and it is made clear from the very first track, that music for The Two Tower is going to be, at least, the equal of Fellowship of the Ring.  A couple of the most notable new themes are that of The Rohan, which exudes a certain folk-charm, but at its heart communicates the nobility of the people of Rohan.  Another notable theme is that of the well marketed, "Gollum's Song" which has been available for download for sometime.  The song, performed by Emiliana Torrini, fits the obsessed and deranged creature, Gollum, like a glove.  While Shore's music for Gollum is naturally pitiful, Torrini's voice adds elements of despair and decay.  Overall, The Two Towers is a pounding, brash, and intricate delight, that fans of Fellowship are likely to feast upon.   With three versions of the soundtrack available, the choice becomes, not IF you should buy one, but which one.  Currently there is regular release, a special/limited edition, and an Internet Limited Edition.

Track 1 - Foundations of Stone  |  Track 3 - The Riders of Rohan  |  Track 8 - Evenstar  |  Track 18 - Samwise the Brave  |  Track 20 - Farewell to Lothlorien 

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