Songs From The Hobbit

An Unexpected Party

The Unexpected Party - Ted Nasmith (from his website)


In October 2004, while I was waiting to finish the recording of the LOTR demo, I took it upon myself to write music to all the songs from The Hobbit. Which, in a burst of creativity similar to that I experienced when doing LOTR Songs, took just a week. Let me assure you that the songs themselves are every bit as good as those I wrote for The Lord of the Rings, and come similarly from the heart, although they are generally less grave than the LOTR songs, (as befits the subject matter). I sang and sang these songs for years afterwards, in particular: "We Must Away Ere Break Of Day" and "The Wind", which are both for low bass, I used as a daily warm up.

Since I was busy with other matters and still smarting from the slap in the face from Tolkien's Lawyers, I only arranged a handful of these and did not produce a demo CD. Nevertheless, I have not forgotten this project and finishing the arrangements at least, is high on my priority list. Arrangement, (especially orchestral arrangement), for the benefit of those who have never attempted it, is a FAR lengthier process than the creation of the song itself and is not to be lightly undertaken.

Some tidbits which may interest fans: