Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King Soundtrack CD

This limited edition release includes a bonus DVD of trailers and "Howard Shore: An Introspective".

This elegantly packaged box set presents composer Howard Shore's expansive score for the extended version of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING in its entirety, including many pieces not featured on the theatrical edition of the soundtrack. Highlights of this comprehensive collection include lengthy orchestral tracks such as "The Lighting of the Beacon," "Shelob's Lair," and "Days of the Ring," which capture both the dread and hope conveyed in Peter Jackson's stunning fantasy film.

The final film in Peter Jackson's stunning LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, THE RETURN OF THE KING concludes J.R.R. Tolkien's revered tale with the heroes of Middle-earth facing unspeakable evils and insurmountable odds. As with the previous two movies, Howard Shore's masterful score once again enhances the dire proceedings.

Orchestral themes from the first two films return like old friends, but with them arrive new elements, reflecting both the quieter moments and the many crucial action sequences. "The Steward of Gondor" features an excellent vocal performance by actor Billy Boyd (who plays the hobbit Pippin) over a lush bed of strings. In contrast, the pieces that accompany the dark side of the film, such as "Minas Morgul" and "Shelob's Lair" are menacing and utterly chilling. And, of course, scenes that involve battle or royal matters, such as "The Ride of Rohirrim" and "The Black Gate Opens," are appropriately majestic. Finally, following in the footsteps of Enya, Elizabeth Fraser, and Sheila Chandra, Annie Lennox contributes a key vocal to the achingly beautiful "Into the West." As with THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING and THE TWO TOWERS, Shore has created a remarkable musical backdrop.

Original score composed by Howard Shore.

Includes liner notes by Howard Shore, Peter Jackson.

Original music composed by Howard Shore.

Lyricists: Annette "Queenie" Lennox; Fran Walsh.

Personnel: Annette "Queenie" Lennox, Viggo Mortensen, Renée Fleming, Billy Boyd (vocals); John Parricelli (guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, 12-string guitar); Dermot Crehan (fiddle); James Galway (flute, pennywhistle); Urlich Herkenhoff (pan flute).

Audio Mixers: Jeffrey Lesser ; Andy Bradfield; Paul Hicks; Peter Cobbin; Tom Lazarus.

Liner Note Authors: Howard Shore; Pete Jackson.

Recording information: Air Lyndhurst; Air Lyndhust; CTS Colosseum, Watford, Hertfordshire, England; EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England.

Editors: Andrew Dudman; Becca Gatrell; Malcolm Fife; John Wriggle; Simon Kiln; Michael Price.

Photographers: Van Redin; Ken George; Benjamin Ealovega.

Translator: David Salo.

Unknown Contributor Role: Jan Hendrickse.

Music By:Howard Shore/Soloists Annie Lennox/Renne Fleming

This is an Enhanced CD which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.