220px-Wojciech_Kilar_2 Polish classical and film music composer Wojciech Kilar has died aged 81 after a long illness.

Kilar became known internationally as the author of dozens of film soundtracks such as Roman Polanski’s The Pianist, Jane Campion’s The Portrait of a Lady, and Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula. He also composed symphonic music, chamber works and works for solo instruments.

He was also, for a time, a frontrunner to compose the score for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films. Continue reading “Polish composer Wojciech Kilar dies, aged 81”

Production Video Howard Shore
Just a couple of hours ago, the Hobbit Production Video #14 popped up on Peter Jackson’s Facebook page. This final video blog covers the recording of Howard Shore’s magnificent musical score for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The score was recorded by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and conducted by renowned orchestrator/composer Conrad Pope. We’ve got the video for you just below in HD, courtesy of Peter Jackson’s YouTube page. Enjoy! Continue reading “Peter Jackson releases final Production Video of 2013!”

Soundtrack Special EditionHoward Shore’s score for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was, for many of us, a nostalgic trip back to Middle-earth. Regardless of the differences between some of the music on the album and the final film,
the score brought us back comfortably to musical territory that we knew – while also setting up a number of themes that would come back full force in the next films.

Let me tell you – if any of you were hoping for more original material from Mr. Shore, you’ve got your wish. In spades. Continue reading “‘The Desolation of Smaug’ Special Edition Soundtrack reviewed by Aragorn the Elfstone”

Desolation of Smaug standard edition soundtrackBeginning tomorrow (or in just under 30 minutes, for those of you on the
East Coast in the U.S.), you will be able to purchase Howard Shore’s Original Score for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on CD, either in Regular or Special Edition form. But for those of you who just can’t wait
to get your hands on the music, both albums are now available on iTunes (in the U.S., at least). Continue reading “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Soundtracks now available on iTunes!”