Middle-earth Journeys

TTT at Wolf Trap: Program

My sincere and deepest apologies to Lindariel for taking sssoooooo long to post these for her. Also my thanks to her for sharing.

Click on scans to enlarge.






[copyright]Wolf Trap Foundation[/copyright]

Thanks so much for posting this Riv!

I really should follow up these program notes with a brief report on the event itself.

The August 29 performance of The Two Towers at Wolf Trap was well and enthusiastically attended, despite some scattered rain with thunder and lightning, which was actually quite appropriately atmospheric. I'm simply in awe of the task conductor Ludwig Wicki undertakes for each of these mammoth performances -- not only to lead such huge forces (LARGE orchestra, two huge choirs, plus soloists) through such a difficult and complex score, but also to keep it properly timed with the film. You can see that a video screen is built into his conductor's podium, but I still don't know how on earth he does it! I can't begin to imagine the amount of preparation this takes, not to mention the extraordinary concentration required over the full 3+ hours of the movie.

The experience of seeing the movies with a live performance of the soundtrack is quite extraordinary. The music hits you with much more immediacy than the soundtrack in a movie theatre, even one with surround sound. It is just a totally different experience. Plus, one has the joy of WATCHING the music being performed, of seeing all those bows flying over the strings, the percussionists executing their intricate dances among the various tympani, drums, gongs, cymbals, chimes, and other instruments, pages being turned, the chorus standing, singing, and sitting, the conductor weaving all the parts together into a whole, etc. I'm telling you, it really is two shows in one, and it can be really hard deciding whether to watch the movie on the screen or the orchestral and choral forces at work!

To top off an incredible evening, my husband and I had the great pleasure of meeting Mallorn, Starfolk, and PA Lady of Viggo-Works after the performance for a nice chat. It was absolutely lovely to meet them, and we plan to get together again when Return of the King comes to Wolf Trap next year.

Truly, if one of these performances comes even remotely near your home, you MUST make an effort to attend. You will NOT be sorry!

It sounds completely wonderful, Lindariel! Even the joy of being outside would contribute to the event. Thanks for the report.

Just spotted an announcement that tickets for the ROTK live performances at Wolf Trap will go on sale to the general public on-line on November 21 for performances in the summer of 2010. I will most certainly BE THERE!

I must go to TTT when we have it in the UK. I was so sorry to miss the Fellowship one! It sounds absolutely wonderful, Lindariel.

I can't even imagine what it would be like to feel this experience. I came so close when Shore conducted in Boston several years ago. Thanks for the report L.