Lay of Gil-Galad 2

Post by **ArathornJax** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:01 am

I was editing yesterday and then Voronwë let me know that this had gone away.

Anyway, here are several adaptation of the Lay of Gil-Galad. Which do you like, or dislike and why? Or do you see merit in all or none of them? I think Tolkien reads rather fast, but is the Lay better read, chanted or sung?

The author, JRR Tolkien reading the Lay:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1809FVUluqg

William Nighy as Sam in the BBC Radio Adaptation:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pOE0L98KC ... re=related

I believe this is from the LOTR Musical:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8FYjyvsd00

I am assuming (dangerous) that this is a young person and her composition:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7FWR-88AyX8

Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:16 am

I much prefer Tolkien's version the best, even with him reading fast. I like Bill Nighy's version the best of the sung versions, although there is something that is not quite right about it to me. The young person's composition is nice enough, for what it is. I dislike the version from the musical.

Post by **WampusCat** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:02 am

Each has merit, but I prefer Nighy's version. It feels like how a hobbit would sing of elves, if that makes sense. But maybe that's because it reminds me somewhat of some of the tunes I wrote to Tolkien's verse.

The musical's version doesn't sound hobbity at all. I wrote a tune for O Elbereth Gilthoniel that has a bit of the same feel to it, but not so overproduced. I like the harp, though.

The young person's version is OK though not quite interesting enough to suit me.

And I always enjoy Tolkien's readings, but in my mind the Lay of Gil-Galad is chanted.

Post by **Athrabeth** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:42 am

Hands down, it's Nighy's Sam.

Wampus wrote:It feels like how a hobbit would sing of elves, if that makes sense.

It makes perfect sense to me, Wampus!

The BBC version of the Lay has a very appropriate chant-like quality to it, with such a lovely tinge of sadness and gravitas that speaks of its ancient roots. But then Nighy could probably recite the phonebook and make it sound "right and proper" as Sam.

Tolkien always seems to recite his works too quickly, at least the little that I've heard of what was recorded. But I love how he pronounces Mordor.

The version from the musical is my least favourite. The music just doesn't seem to fit the words for some reason.

Post by **Alatar** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:51 am

The BBC Musical version is hands down the best in my opinion. The others don't even come close.

But the third one is NOT from the musical. I can't even begin to state how much better the musical is than that piece, but there's no "Lay of Gil-Galad" in the musical.

Post by **Ophelia** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:24 pm

It certainly is not from the musical. It is by a group called Anois. But I do still rather like it. And I love their version of "I Sit Beside The Fire And Think."

I'm sure the Tolkien Ensemble have covered the Gil-Galad song too (it wasn't one of my favourites of theirs, as I recall - but their "Ai Laurie lantar lassi surinen" and "I sang of leaves" are breathtaking).

And yes - all praise and highest Eglerios to the BBC Version and Mr Nighy.

Post by **ToshoftheWuffingas** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:06 pm

I haven't heard Nighy's version for a few years now (I avoided adapted versions while I was writing my own in case I was influenced) but I still shiver at the memory.

Post by **Padme** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:32 pm

To me Nighy's version is nice but sounds flat or off key.

I think I like Tolkien's version best.

Post by **ArathornJax** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:34 pm

Thanks for the clarification on the one that I hadn't heard and thought might be from the musical. I knew some here would know! BTW, for those who have purchased it, is the soundtrack from the musical worth it?

Post by **Alatar** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:34 pm

Yes.

Wed Jul 30, 2008 5:05 pm

Padme, I agree. For some reason there something that is just a little bit off about it to me.

Let me clarify that when I said I like Tolkien's version best, I don't mean that I would like it best as part of an adaptation of LOTR. It clearly is not meant to be a rendition of the Lay by Sam in the context of the story. I just love the way he speaks it, rushed words and all.

Post by **Aravar** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:39 am

Have you heard the BBC version (the whole thing, not just the lay) Voronwë?

Post by **Ophelia** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 1:20 am

Another thought: don't forget that there are TWO BBC renditions/performances of the Lay of Gil-Galad, because for some reason the songs of the BBC adaptation on the Music Only cassette/CD (it was originally released in the days before CD's

) - which was released for sale long before the actual dramatisation was - did not feature the actors, but professional singers (who were already in the BBC version - Oz Clarke and the Ambrosian Singers, I think - although not sure if he was part of the Ambrosian Singers).

So I think that version has Oz Clarke (who now hosts a Food and Drink programme) singing Sam's songs. In the actual dramatisation, I believe it is he who sings the songs of Rohan.

Arathorn, would you be able to upload a link to Oz Clarke's BBC rendition too? It would be interesting to see what those who found Nighy a little flat might think of it. Nighy's Sam is weary when he sings that song, and has almost given up hope of finding Frodo - but listen to how much stronger his voice gets as his hope grows.

Post by **ArathornJax** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:26 am

I'm looking to see if I can find a link but haven't found one. Somebody cut the line for our neighborhood internet so I only have a connection now and then (and probably will until next week). I'll keep looking for it.

Post by **Alatar** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:47 am

Ophelia, I think you might be referring to "I will not say the day is done, nor bid the stars farewell". The Lay of Gil-Galad is sung by Sam while still with Aragorn and the other hobbits shortly after Bree and before Weathertop.

Post by **ToshoftheWuffingas** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 2:25 pm

But by George they are both good. The Gil-galad song in the BBC serial gives us a sudden new view of Sam, just as the book does.
I have for a long time now taken Sam's tower song as the pivot of the entire story. Once again Nighy is breathtaking in it.

Post by **ArathornJax** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:20 pm

I cannot find just a copy of In Western Lands Beneath the Sun sung by Sam (William Nighy). I found a copy of episode 10 f, but posting the entire part of the episode in my book violates Fair Use so I won't post it. If you have them on cassette it is that tape from about 3:31 to 4:53

I also found the following, but I have to say that I really do not like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3LPp7x3Eno

More of Tolkien reading small bits of his works:

If you haven't seen this I do enjoy hearing this every time. It is J.R.R. Tolkien singing A Troll Sat Alone . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGMFHvxA ... re=related

I also love his reading of the Entish Chant as they go to war against Isengard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPV63iW6 ... re=related

and finally, The Road Goes Ever On

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya_tDLYr ... re=related

Whenever I hear Tolkien, I hear Bilbo . . . I know Faramir is the character he felt most like him, but his voice reminds me of Bilbo. Anyway enjoy.

Post by **Alatar** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:18 pm

If there's no objection here I can post the "Western Lands" and Oz Clarke's "Lay of Gil-Galad"

Post by **ArathornJax** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 12:36 am

Al, none from me if you have them

Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:34 am

I think that should be okay, Al. Thanks for asking. Frankly, if those would be over the line, everything else posted here would be, too, I think.