In this module we will explore the musical storytelling of works related to the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. This discussion-based course is not targeted to musicians, and no prior musical knowledge or skill set is required. Rather, the course seeks to discuss how music can tell stories, and how music interacts with text, poetry, and adaptation. A familiarity with the work of Professor Tolkien is very helpful.

This course will study three types of musical adaptation: music inspired by Tolkien’s writing, work that has taken Tolkien’s poetry and put it to music, and music written for adaptations of Tolkien’s work. Each of these types of composition comes with their own unique storytelling approaches and outcomes.

Session Outline

• Session 1: Johan de Meij, "Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings"
• Session 2: Martin Romberg, "Symphonic Poem, Telperion and Laurelin"
• Session 3: Paul Corfield Godfrey: “The Tolkien Cycle”
• Session 4: John Sangster, "The Hobbit Suite"
• Session 5: The Tolkien Ensemble, "An Evening in Rivendell"
• Session 6: Donald Swann: “The Road Goes Ever On, a Song Cycle”
• Session 7: Howard Shore, "The Fellowship of the Ring"
• Session 8: Bear McCreary, "The Rings of Power, Season One"