A Rare Recording of J. R. R. Tolkien

Not all Tolkien - wish I'd noticed that

So NOW I notice "Also included is a reading of 'A Elbereth Gilthoniel' in Elvish and 'The Road Goes Ever on,' sung by William Elvin with music by Donald Swann" ... William Elvin is an operatic baritone, which for me is the polar opposite of the characters whose songs he sings. (Also, whoever accompanied him on the piano hit some terribly painful notes.) Hobbits are - for me - neither operatic nor baritone; Elves are - for me - possibly operatic, but not baritone. And I disliked the arrangements.

Long, long ago I had found an audiotape of the Professor reading - as I recall, side A was "Riddles in the Dark" from The Hobbit, and side B included some of what was here, did not include some of what was here (I don't recall Perry-the-Winkle, or this version of Tom Bombadil), and also included poems that are not here. That tape meant a lot to me - Tolkien reciting "A Elbereth Gilthoniel" was the first time I ever heard Elvish, and the only time until the movies. That was what I, not reading the description and just assuming, thought I was getting with this. Now I need to go find the tape wherever it's lurking in the house.

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A very rare treat

To hear in his own voice, a selection of J.R.R.Tolkien's poetry and a few elvish words is a great treat. Perhaps I may have preferred to hear the songs with harp or pipe, rather than piano. Did Middle Earth have a piano? Regardless, the poetry is a joy.

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The Master at Work

If you could sum up A Rare Recording of J. R. R. Tolkien in three words, what would they be?

Inspirational, Rare, Perfect

What other book might you compare A Rare Recording of J. R. R. Tolkien to and why?

I have no other books to compare. Hearing Tolkien read his own work is a phenomenal joy! The way he pronounces things, the cadence of his tone and the tombre of his voice bring form the magic of Middle Earth to a new generation.

What about J. R. R. Tolkien’s performance did you like?

His beautiful low voice reading these poems the way he intended for them to be read is magical. The old Oxford Professor knows how to tell a great tale and the beautiful thoughtful tone in which he reads his own work is captivating.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and many times since! I love this recording.

Any additional comments?

Buy it. Listen. Sit at the feet of the Professor and enjoy his work from a new perspective. It's worth the time.

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Just GO

You will love this one and you should have it in a collection whit the rest of your Tolkien books.

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Discover the songs the way they were meant to be

A couple of his stories, told by Tolkien himself, a short passage read in elven, and a song sung by the author. I won't give it away, but Tolkien envisioned the songs in a manner I bet you have never considered! Otherwise, nothing new here, just a chance to hear the master himself.

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Exceptional surprise for a Tolkienite!

This was really something special to hear Tolkien tell some of his stories. You can hear in his voice how much he loved it!

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Very awesome

This is a voice that could be listen to four hours. Some of the poetry has been lost and is wonderful to hear if red so clearly and so poetically. Listening to his single as well has his rate has been a true delight. RP Rouse

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Tolkien in his own voice

All it promised and more. Great to hear Tolkien's voice. Throughly enjoyed it. A true treasure. I'm ready to listen to it a third time now.

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A Taste of the Mastermind behind Middle Earth

I have read many books by J.R.R. Tolkien and enjoyed them all. I did not hesitate to grab this short audiobook simply because I was interested to hear him read some of his work in his own voice. It is nothing mind-blowing or amazing but I enjoyed just hearing him speak and sing about the world he created.

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A collection of poems of Middle Earth.

Impressive to hear Tolkien's own voice narrate these poems, some of which are featured in Lord of the Rings in some form or another, the songs as well. Quite the collection. A wide range of subjects, of battles, characters and more.