The Hobbit: – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

NZSO records The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

New Zealand’s national orchestra has recorded the soundtrack for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies the third film in Sir Peter Jackson’s acclaimed The Hobbit Trilogy, in Wellington’s Town Hall. The film, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), was released in New Zealand on 11 December 2014 from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Director Peter Jackson says he was delighted to work with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra again, following last year’s exceptional recording of the score for the second film in the Trilogy, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, in the Town Hall.

“We have shared a long and rewarding recording relationship with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra over the years. The journey began back in 2001 when the very first music ever recorded for Howard Shore's magnificent score for The Lord of the Rings films was completed in Wellington’s Town Hall. Composed for the Fellowship’s journey into the Mines of Moria, the work was beautifully performed by the NZSO and showcased the exceptional acoustics of this over 100-year-old building.
“It has been a real thrill working with the extraordinary talents of the NZSO in Wellington’s world class auditorium, the Town Hall. This recording space is a rare gem and its acclaimed sound qualities must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

Canadian-born Howard Shore, whose music for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy won three Academy Awards and four Grammy awards, composed the score for the film. The album of the music from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey made the top 10 charts in the United States. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was the 25th highest-grossing film of all time. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack two-CD set was released on 9 December 2014 by WaterTower Music. In addition to original music by Howard Shore, the soundtrack features the original songThe Last Goodbye, performed by Billy Boyd, who played the Hobbit Peregrin “Pippin” Took in Lord of the Rings Trilogy. A Special Edition CD version of the soundtrack will be released on 16 December 2014.

NZSO Chief Executive Christopher Blake says the NZSO is delighted to once again be part of this iconic New Zealand film.
“It is a real privilege for our national orchestra to record Howard Shore’s impressive score in the Wellington Town Hall and have it heard all around the world. The Town Hall has an internationally acclaimed acoustic and is an important centre for the musical culture of both Wellington andNew Zealand. It has important historic significance as a performance venue which continues to this day.”

Mr Blake says securing the third Hobbit film recording is further recognition of the NZSO’s international standing in the film industry.

“The NZSO had considerable experience and skills in recording film soundtracks. Recording film soundtracks requires particular focus and efficiency and our musicians have to play to the highest levels, often under significant time pressures. It’s a demanding and rewarding process.”

Directed by Peter Jackson, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies features a screenplay by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a Wingnut Films Production, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. The film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM.

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