http://www.empireonline.co.uk/site/news/newsstory.asp?news_id=15807
Chord Of The Rings!
Exclusive: LOTR Soundtracks to get ‘Extended’ Editions Box Set
30 April 2004
As any fule no, the fantabulous four-disc extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King will debut later this year. But for those of you doing decent Gollum impressions – "we wanttsss it!" – Empire can exclusively reveal that one more superb LOTR extra is on its way, ready to sate those Rings withdrawal symptoms.
Howard Shore's Oscar-winning scores for the three movies, easily ranking amongst the very best soundtracks of recent times, has up until now only been granted a single CD release for each film. Now, Empire is no Carol Vorderman, but we calculate that that means that more than six hours of the score [more than eight if you factor in the Extended Editions] remains unreleased.
Well, that's going to change next year, when Shore plans to release a suitably epic nine-disc set of his most famous work. And, just as the two-disc DVDs pale in comparison to the Extended Editions, so too will the CDs.
“The plan is that we would feature all of the music in the theatrical cuts of the films," said Shore, talking exclusively to Empire. "Currently, two discs for [the first], three each for [the second and third films] and a ninth disc of rarities with host of rare, unreleased music from the films with commentary from me.”
The DVD would also feature material covering Shore’s recent transfer of the trilogy’s music to a live concert setting, The Lord Of The Rings Symphony. “The DVD would also potentially have a 45-minute documentary which we shot on the making of the Symphony and full performance of it done with the Montreal Symphony," he added.
First performed in Wellington in November last year, Shore is currently on an international tour with the show, reaching London for a performance with The London Philharmonic Orchestra at The Royal Festival Hall on 23 May and then returning to The Royal Albert Hall on 22 September.
“It’s very gratifying to see the see the music from [the films] find a new life on the concert stage.” said Shore. “I don’t think there’s ever been a full concert piece of this size devoted to one particular film or series.”
For those fans who miss out on the London shows, don't fret: Shore also confirmed to Empire that a two-disc CD release of the show is also in the works for release next year.