An extremely important work for anyone interested in Tolkien's fiction. The collaboration with Donald Swann gives a unique glimpse of Tolkien's own thoughts about the music for his world. His linguistic comments are useful and important for anyone interested in his invented languages.

Swann's music is of its own time and tradition, and intended for reasonably skilled home performance. It is unlikely to be appreciated by those who think of the sentimental yowlings of Enya and Annie Lennox as the music of Middle-earth.

Have you ever wanted music for some of the songs in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings"? This book will let you do so.

Consisting of six poem/songs from "The Lord of the Rings" and one from Tolkien's poem cycle "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", the songs move in tone from seeking adventure ("The Road Goes Ever On) to melancholic ("Namarie") to just plain rollicking fun ("Errantry").

The music fits well with the words, almost as if Tolkien himself had been leaning over Swann's shoulder dictating. It's easy to play, as well, leaving the performer (and the audience) to concentrate on the words.

Finally, in the back, there's notes, translations, an explanations for "Namarie" and " A Elboreth Gilthoniel". Adding to the prettiness of the music, the script on each page is in Tolkien's own hand.

All in all, it's a worthy addition to any Tolkien-lover's shelf, especially if you're a musician.

This is a work that Tolkien approved of and (more importantly) contributed to. It contains Elvish Caligraphy and Material on the Elvish Language by Tolkien not published anywhere else. While most of the music is by Donald Swann, the main musical material for one of the songs is by Tolkien himself. Because this book contains some glimpses of Tolkien's concept of his Middle-earth that can't be found anywhere else, it is a must-have for any serious student of Tolkien and Middle-earth... even if you consider Donald Swann's contribution of music to this book to be total crap.

The Road Goes Ever On is an interesting acquisition for keen Tolkienists for all the reasons other reviews have already gone into. I borrowed a copy of the original edition from my local library years ago, and was thrilled to find the third edition (c1993) at a bookshop recently. (Sadly, the composer passed away in 1994, so no further editions are likely.)

The third edition includes additional settings of "Bilbo's last song" and "Luthien Tinuviel" (from the Silmarillion) and comes with a CD that contains recordings of the whole song cycle, accompanied by piano. (The singer who does most of the songs seems a little... affected with lots of rolled Rs, but it's a good reference to listen to before playing.)

The music is satisfactory, but does not accord with the poems or their original contexts - especially the Elvish songs, which Tolkien described in his books as beautiful and melodious. Also, the music lacks complexity and emotion. I would not recommend this book, as it is unchallenging and unrewarding for those with any experience in vocal music. Approximate Conservatory grade 3.