Symphony No 1 (The Lord of the Rings)

This symphony, composed by the Dutch composer/arranger Johan deMeij, was initially written for symphonic wind band (which is kind of like a large marching band, but without the marching). Ever since it has attracted a lot of attention as one of the most popular compositions for this medium. And rightly so. The music (though clearly based on a lot of classical models) is great. It avoids all the pitfalls so commonly encountered in both music for this specific kind of orchestra (like a too heavy reliance on the brass to do all the work) and programmatic music in general (often, composers can't help indulging in clichés when writing programmatic music, which is certainly a danger with this kind of fantasy based music about a story that is immensely popular and very well-known). DeMeij did a really great job and his music is fresh and new and somehow knows to add something to the overall experience. So, it just had to happen that someone came along and made an arrangement for symphony orchestra. Now the question one may ask is what are the differences we can expect?

The symphony orchestra has (of course) quite a different composition compared to a symphonic wind band. The large clarinet section of the latter is dispensed with (its parts mainly taken over by the two remaining clarinets in the symphony orchestra and of course the string sections, mainly the violins). The rest of the woodwind section is essentially the same. The saxophones are entirely absent, with again mainly the strings taking over their parts (although the solo soprano saxophone featuring in the "Gollum" movement is of course retained). The brass section is smaller (I guess it comprises 4 horns, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones and maybe 1 tuba). So, the other, lower brass instruments common to the symphonic wind band like the euphoniums and baritones are absent Their parts are filled in by the lower strings, that is violoncelli and string basses. The percussion section is untouched and also the piano remains. The only extra addition in the symphony orchestra is the harp.



Now this difference in composition leads to differences in sound and timbre. The full, brassy sound that can be heard in the wind band recordings will never be so full when played by the symphony orchestra. Yet, you get a lot in return. The dynamic range of the symphony orchestra is larger than that of the wind band (because brass can only go that soft and still make a nice sound). The string sections can be very expressive, maybe more so sometimes than the winds. For example, the opening melody of Gandalf (the bit after the fanfare opening) is now played by the celli, which is really, heartfelt. Also, pay attention to the use of tremolo strings that give extra effect in "Gollum", not to speak of the very effective use of solo-violin and viola in this movement.



Because the symphony orchestra consists of smaller sections, the contrasts between the sections are much clearer. The rhythmical intricacies are better appreciated than in any of the recordings or performances I have heard and a lot of things are articulated just that much sharper. Also other details, like the soft or high percussion instruments or the use of the piano are better audible. Yet, the music is essentially the same (although at some times you may have the impression you are listening to another piece altogether because other things are highlighted than usual). With the original score in hand, I found that the music is never really altered and where it has to be focused on the winds, it still is. The differences are thus not world shattering but mostly subtle and very tasteful. I must compliment the arranger (in my edition of the CD, which was low budget, the arranger is left anonymous, but to my knowledge it is Henk de Vlieger) for doing and excellent job. I wouldn't have thought it possible, but the music has in some way really benefited from this transition. The recording itself is rather dry, but that's just a minor draw-back.

Enjoy and Seed!!