May sound a wierd topic in the movie forum but the soundtracks were made for the movies, so it makes logical sense.

Anyway, I felt like getting some discussion going on the soundtracks. Do people listen to them at all? I personally do. If so, do you have a favourite of the 3? Or even a favourite track or 2?

The Two Towers is the only one I actually own the CD for (others on itunes) and I have to say it's my favourite overall, though the FotR does have some good pieces (The Black Rider has to be one of my favourites). Haven't heard the complete recordings really (friend does own them) and I'm content with the soundtrack.

So, anyone else?

I do not own the "soundtracks", however I do own the 10 CD 11 hour long Complete Recordings, which contains the entirety of the score to te Lord of the Rings. Cost me more thn a prettypenny but entirely worth it in the long run

I don't listen to them to be honest but I have heard them and in my opinion my favourite is that from The Two Towers. The Isengard music just stands out to me.

Yeah, the Complete Recordings are the real deal I guess, but most of the tunes are contained in the various soundtracks. Eventually I will buy the Complete Recordings but it is expensive and then there's always the problem of finding it
Any particular favourites? The Warg Attack (Helm's Deep for the soundtracks) is pretty good, especially with the battle music (which is skipped in the soundtrack).

The Isengard music is pretty good. Howard Shore did a great job of coming up with distinctive sounds for each of the factions. Isengard's themes just cry industry to me. Personally I love the Rohan tunes.

Complete Records I feel is an infinately superior soundtrack because it includes some of the more moving music that was left out of the normal one (i.e. when the Ring is destroyed, Sauron defeated, and up to where the Eagles rescue Frodo and Sam is left out entirely.

i have the first 2 somewhere and i have to say Amon Hen is my fave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0KyhRkgThc

Have them on CD, but haven't listened to them in a while. Not sure which track is my favourite.

LordFenrir wrote:

Complete Records I feel is an infinately superior soundtrack because it includes some of the more moving music that was left out of the normal one (i.e. when the Ring is destroyed, Sauron defeated, and up to where the Eagles rescue Frodo and Sam is left out entirely.

Yeah, that's the problem with the soundtracks, some of the best music is left out. Similar problem with Pirates of the Caribbean (which is my second favourite trilogy and World's End just about beats the LotR music).

Amon Hen is a pretty good track, though I've been meaning to go back over it and work out what music corresponds to which parts of the action

LordFenrir wrote:

Complete Records I feel is an infinately superior soundtrack because it includes some of the more moving music that was left out of the normal one (i.e. when the Ring is destroyed, Sauron defeated, and up to where the Eagles rescue Frodo and Sam is left out entirely.

That piece being missing was a huge disappointment. After watching the extended editions more often than the theatrical release dvds, I've noticed a lot of music not included on the soundtracks, including this heavenly piece from FotR. I will definitely be purchasing the Complete Recordings at some point. Can't think of anything more inspiring while assembling/painting or playing SBG/WotR than these great discs.

I don't currently own the music but I have a DVD called 'Creating the Lord of the Rings Symphony' and except for some comments by Howard Shore is 50 min of lovely LotR music. I have to say that the Hobbit songs are my favorite; especially 'Concerning Hobbits' and the one when the Ring is destroyed (can't remember name of song...).
Anyhow, they are amazing and can't wait to buy the whole soundtrack

They supposedly are releasing another album with demo tracks and material the Shore wrote but didn't put in the film, as well as the scoring cues for all the major themes...so that'd be cool to see when its out

Any clue as to when that might be available?

Quote :

There exist several pieces of music written by Howard Shore that never made it into the final cut of the film trilogy or any existing soundtrack. Among these are various pieces written for battles throughout the film. There was also a special musical arrangement written for the trailer for The Return of the King, which primarily consisted of principal leitmotifs along with movie trailer-like music. Additionally, there was a song entitled "Use Well the Days" sung by Annie Lennox. The song can be found on a supplementary DVD included with the Return of the King soundtrack in some packages released in 2003.

It has been announced that alternate compositions, alternate takes, synth mock-ups, session footage, etc. will be presented on a bonus DVD(s) released along with the book, The Music of the Lord of the Rings Films, by Doug Adams, due fourth quarter, 2009.

Hope that clears everything up (found on Doug Adams's website)