The Lord of the Rings has inspired varied instrumental works
Howard Shore’s scenic soundscape is a pillar of our collective understanding of Middle-Earth, and it’s hard to think of The Lord of the Rings without the soft, pastoral theme of “Concerning Hobbits” lilting into mind. Rather than being a musical narrator, telling the listener where to look and how to feel and what to expect, Shore’s reaching, spacious themes give the imagination room to wander. The abundant use of leitmotifs—recurring themes tied to particular characters, ideas, or settings—turn the sonic landscape into a character in its own right. The score is much like Samwise, a friend accompanying the listener through their exploration of Middle-Earth and its beloved (and not-so-beloved) inhabitants.
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Long before The Lord of the Rings ever hit the big screen, however, the book had already inspired another breathtaking piece of music. While Shore’s music creates an ambient background to accompany hours of iconic imagery, Johann De Meij’s Lord of the Rings Symphony brings Middle-Earth to life based on the books alone. The symphony is made of five movements illustrating some of the most memorable characters and moments, predominantly from The Fellowship of the Ring—from Gandalf to Gollum, and Lothlórien to Moria. Without any cinematic influence, De Meij’s work invites us to close our eyes and create our own mental images of this epic tale, guiding us on an abstract and contemplative journey through Tolkien’s world.
Shore and De Meij both made important, impactful contributions to the musical canon of Middle-Earth. Shore’s atmospheric score sweeps an astonishing range of intensity and emotion in the tale of the Fellowship, carrying the listener from the idyllic Shire to the crater of Mount Doom, and back again. The scale of the work allows thematic transformations to come gradually over the course of a long journey—much like our beloved hobbits. In contrast, De Meij’s much shorter symphony stands as a testament to the enduring descriptive power of the book, offering alternative glimpses of Middle-Earth and painting Tolkein’s words long before it was brought to life in motion picture. Whether your preference is for Shore’s sonic scenery or De Meij’s symphonic storytelling, rest assured that your musical journey through Middle-Earth will echo far beyond the realms of film and fantasy—no matter which path you take.
