Poems and Songs of Middle Earth
Donald Swann · 1967
40 min · 14 tracks · opera
A whimsical blend of folk melodies and operatic vocals that bring Tolkien's verses to life.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling in song
- dynamic journey through themes
- intimate moments of reflection
- headphone detail hunting
- late-night cozy listening
Maybe skip if you want
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefering standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Themes
- Tolkien's whimsical storytelling· Middle Earth landscapes· operatic folk melodies
- Career context
- Released in 1967, 'Poems and Songs of Middle Earth' marked Donald Swann's foray into setting J.R.R. Tolkien's poetry to music, establishing him as a unique voice in the genre. This album followed his previous work, showcasing his ability to weave literary influence into his compositions during a time when folk music was gaining popularity in the UK.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Frideric Handel· Jean Sibelius· John Corigliano
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
Music from the Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra — Shares a whimsical blend of folk influences with an eclectic and imaginative instrumental palette.The Visit by Loreena McKennitt — Combines operatic vocals with storytelling and lush arrangements, evoking mythical landscapes.Hounds of Love by Kate Bush — Marries theatrical vocal delivery with folk and art-pop elements, creating a narrative-driven soundscape.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil".
- 1 The Adventures of Tom Bombadil Start here 4:00
- 2 The Mewlips 1:21
- 3 The Hoard 3:25
- 4 Perry-The-Winkle 4:26
- 5 The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon 5:16
- 6 The Sea-Bell 5:25
- 7 A Elbereth Gilthoniel 0:14
- 8 The Road Goes Ever On 1:00
- 9 Upon the Hearth the Fire is Red 1:35
- 10 In the Willow-Meads of Tasarinan 2:35
- 11 In Western Lands 2:15
- 12 Namárië 1:25
- 13 I Sit Beside The Fire / Refrain: A Elbereth Gilthoniel 3:38
- 14 Errantry 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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