"The Lord of the Rings" - Creating the Symphony Quiz

Answer: Montreal, Canada

The documentary was filmed in early 2004, prior to and during the performance of the Symphony in Montreal. Few cities have had the privilege of hearing the Symphony live, and even fewer have seen the concert with Howard Shore himself conducting.

Answer: No one else was interviewed

Howard Shore was the only one interviewed. He mentions Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, but they do not appear in the DVD.

Answer: The written works of J.R.R. Tolkien

Howard Shore indicates that he constantly had Tolkien's books open while he composed the music. He mentions that just about everyone in the crew was inspired by the written works of Tolkien as well.

Answer: The Prologue

Of course, the symphony presents the main themes of the music score in chronological order. As "The Fellowship of the Ring" begins with the Prologue, so does the Symphony.

Answer: Artwork by John Howe and Alan Lee

Howard Shore felt that seeing the images by John Howe and Alan Lee would help bring the music even closer to the audience. He was very appreciative of the opportunity to show the artwork, some of which had not been seen by the public before.

Answer: Tin whistle

The tin whistle gives way to the flute only when the hobbits return to the Shire at the end of "The Return of the King". Howard Shore indicates that this parallels the development of the hobbits as they experience their adventures in the movie trilogy.

Answer: Fellowship

He mentions this in the documentary as the fellowship theme is being played by the orchestra. He details how the fellowship theme is first played in full splendor at Rivendell, how it breaks down as the fellowship fragments, and how it is then remade as the remaining members gather again in "The Return of the King".

Answer: Members of the choir

He is speaking, obviously, to the members of the choir--in particular, the male singers--who would be uttering the rhythmic chants of the Dwarves for this portion of the Symphony. The chants highlight the Fellowship's desperate attempts to flee the Mines of Moria.

Answer: The music is scored primarily for women's voices

Soaring soprano voices are characteristic of the elves' music in the movies, especially during the Fellowship's stay at Lothlorien.

Answer: Isengard

The composer states the metallic sounds bring out the industrial might of Middle-Earth, as represented by the orcs and forges of Isengard.

Answer: False

Many of the languages in the movie score were created by Tolkien--Dwarvish, Adunaic, Black Speech, and the Elven languages. However, the song that Lady Eowyn sings at the funeral of Theodred in the Extended Edition of "The Two Towers" is in Old English. And of course, selections such as "Gollum's Song", "Into the West", and (from the Extended Edition of "The Return of the King") Arwen's song are in English.

Answer: It is played faster

The uptempo version played in the documentary seems to take away from the sadness of the scene. As with the music at the Grey Havens, the lingering notes of the violins are what finally succeed in drawing tears from many people's eyes as the friends part ways.

Answer: Over 200

He tells of more than 200 performers combined between the orchestra and the choir. This will likely be necessary for each live performance of the Symphony.

Answer: Dulcimer

The dulcimer, according to Howard Shore, is taken from the music of the Shire but is appropriate for the elusive character that is Gollum. This instrument is not seen often in live concerts, though New Age musician Yanni has included a dulcimer player in his recent tours.

Answer: The Breaking of the Fellowship

Both composer and performers receive a standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert. Here's to hoping that a live performance of "The Lord of the Rings" Symphony will arrive at a city near you soon!