The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Piano/Vocal/Chords) [Paperback] Review

It's books like this that made me wish I had the natural talent for music, or had at least studied and practiced hard enough to develop talent. The motion picture score that Howard Shore composed for The Lord of the Rings trilogy is absolutely brilliant, and while nothing can match his magnificent orchestra, there is something unique and incredible about hearing the same music played on a simple piano -- coming from your very own fingers.
The front cover is one of the promotional posters (NOT the DVD cover as was the case with the other two piano books from the trilogy) showing Saruman from the back commanding his 10,000 Uruk-hai. If you look on the right, although it is geographically incorrect, you can see Edoras in Rohan in the distance. Inside the book are forty pages, eight of which are movie pictures. Once again, there are some gruesome orcs pictured inside, in case you have little hobbits around the house that might get scared.
The music includes:
- Gollum's Song, the end-credits song of the movie. Not very enjoyable to play, I'd say...it's a rather mournful and melancholy song.
- Evenstar, which is all-Elvish, but surprisingly doesn't provide the translation. Shouldn't be too hard to dig one up on the internet, however. The tune is pretty, the background for Aragorn's dream/vision of Arwen in The Two Towers.
- Isengard Unleashed, which begins as the soundtrack score does, with the lament for Haldir upon his untimely death in the battle for Helm's Deep. Then it moves on to the score for the Ents as they march to war. This is probably the longest in the book, maybe of all three books. Afterwards, they give the translation of the war song of the Ents.
- Breath of Life, the quiet but stirring tune/song that you hear when Aragorn lies wounded after a battle, and receives another vision/dream of Arwen that gives him a (let's all say it together now) "breath of life". Elvish lyrics, English translation at the end.
- Forth Eorlingas, my favorite one (at least to HEAR), the tune that shows the rousing of the remaining soldiers at Helm's Deep, their death plunge out the causeway, and Gandalf's near-biblical arrival to the rescue. The second-best in this book, in my opinion.
- Rohan, which was an absolutely necessary piece to include in this book. It's short, *almost* simple enough for a beginner like me to pick my way through, and beyond gorgeous. It begins with the noble theme for Éowyn, and peaks into the majestic score for the kingdom of Rohan. This one alone is worth getting the book for.
This book makes an excellent addition to your piano library, or an excellent gift for your musically-inclined hobbit-heads. Go for it.

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Product Description:
Featuring the music of Academy Award-winning composer Howard Shore, this new Two Towers folio includes eight pages of magnificent full-color photosfrom the motion picture and P/V/C arrangements of the soaring soundtrack -- all printed on high-quality antique paperstock. The titles are: The Riders of Rohan * Evenstar * Breath of Life * Forth Eorlingas * Isengard Unleashed * Gollum's Song.

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Piano/Vocal/Chords) [Paperback] Review

It's books like this that made me wish I had the natural talent for music, or had at least studied and practiced hard enough to develop talent. The motion picture score that Howard Shore composed for The Lord of the Rings trilogy is absolutely brilliant, and while nothing can match his magnificent orchestra, there is something unique and incredible about hearing the same music played on a simple piano -- coming from your very own fingers. Or, with today's synthesizer technology, you can orchestrate your own versions!
The cover is the same as the Return of the King promotional photo. Inside, one can find fifty-four lovely pages' worth of selections from his score for Return of the King. Included in that tally are six pages of rich photos from the movie. Thankfully, it's just the heroes this time, there are no frightening pictures of orcs which, as in the case of the first and second books, caused the need to keep an eye on little youngsters who might be a little frightened by the ugly and gruesome orcs. Shoot, they still frighten me! ;-)
The songs include:
- Minas Tirith, the theme for Gandalf's ride to the City of Kings, and Pippin Took's first glimpse of the grandeur of the stronghold. Lyrics are included for the Elvish verses sung in the background, including the Retreat from Osgiliath, and The White Rider. This is one of the best songs, if you ask me, because it includes the gorgeous theme for Gondor.
- The Steward of Gondor, which includes the White Tree "theme" (not a really defined royal theme, unfortunately), and Billy Boyd's solo he sung to Denethor as Faramir rode out on his suicide mission.
- Twilight and Shadow, with is essentially a "poor Frodo" score, but also includes some music for Arwen.
- The End of All Things, the tumultuous but awing cacophony that you hear during the battle on the slopes of Mt. Doom and subsequently before the Black Gates as Frodo attempts to destroy the Ring, and Aragorn leads his troops in a last effort to distract Sauron. (As you can imagine, this, like the others, is not exactly a simple tune for beginners, but I was able to pick out some Lord of the Rings tunes, so middling players ought to be able to do okay) Lyrics are included for the many verses sung in the background of this as well.
- The Return of the King, which begins with Frodo's awakening and the reuniting of the Fellowship, and then Aragorn's coronation. At the end, sheet music fans FINALLY get the music for the Hobbiton theme, which is titled "A Toast in the Shire".
- Into the West, Annie Lennox's endearing song which pretty much sings about heaven, or at least Middle-Earth's version of it.
- Use Well The Days, a bonus because fans haven't yet heard how Howard Shore has arranged this one! It's pretty certain it will be crafted into the Return of the King: Extended Edition which releases around Christmas. From the lyrics, one would infer that it is sort of a benediction that Frodo gives to Sam, although I seriously doubt it is sung that way.
For your piano players, guitar-strummers, and singers, make 'em happy, give them some of the most awesome soundtrack ever to be played for the Lord of the Rings movies.

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Product Description:
Arranged For Piano/Vocal/Guitar With Lyrics. Contains 7principal movie themes, including the Annie Lenox single "Into TheWest". Also includes 10 pages of full-color photos from the manyincredible scenes in the movie-all printed on classic antique paperstock. Plus, exclusive to this songbook is another song performed byAnnie Lenox, "Use Well The Days" which will debut in the upcoming DVDrelease of the movie. A must for all LOTR fans! Contents: Titlesinclude:
The Return of the King
The End of All Things
Use Well the Days
Twilight and Shadow
The Steward of Gondor
Minas Tirith
Into the West

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The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Soundtrack Piano, Vocal, and Chords (The Lord of the Rings) (Pvg) [Paperback] Review

This collection of songs from the soundtrack of the movie 'The Fellowship of the Ring' is a definite gem. The songs, in order, are 'In Dreams' [words and music by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore], 'The Prophecy' [text by J.R.R. Tolkien], 'Aniron' [words by Roma Ryan, music by Enya and Nicky Ryan] 'A lament for Gandalf' [text by Philippa Boyens], 'Many Meetings' [music by Howard Shore], and 'May it Be' [words by Roma Ryan, Music by Enya and Nicky Ryan]. Inside, there are also lots of beautiful pictures from the movie. This is a beautiful accompaniment for the soundtrack. The music is for 'piano, vocal, or chords', but other instruments could play along. I would DEFINETELY rate this 10 stars, only the limit is 5. I recommend this music for anyone who loves music, Enya, or The Lord of the Rings.

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Product Description:
Six selections from the blockbuster The Lord of the Rings, plus fantastic color photos from the movie! Includes: The Prophecy * Many Meetings * Aniron (Theme for Aragorn and Arwen) * Lament for Gandalf * In Dreams * May It Be.

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