"Misty Mountains Cold" is a hauntingly beautiful and iconic song featured in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the first installment of Peter Jackson's film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel "The Hobbit." Here are some interesting facts about this soundtrack:
Origin: The song is based on a poem from J.R.R. Tolkien's original novel "The Hobbit." It's sung by the dwarves in the book as they sit around a fire in Bilbo's hobbit hole, and it's meant to evoke the sense of longing and adventure that pervades the story.
Composers: "Misty Mountains Cold" was composed by Howard Shore, who also composed the music for "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy. The lyrics are adapted from Tolkien's original text by Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, and Peter Jackson.
Singer: The deep and resonant voice heard in the film version of the song is performed by Neil Finn, a New Zealand musician known for his work with Crowded House and Split Enz. His distinctive voice adds a unique character to the song.
Choir: To create the deep and rich choral sound in the song, a Maori choir called "Plan 9" was used. Their powerful harmonies contribute to the song's epic and otherworldly quality.
Dwarvish Lyrics: The song features lyrics in Khuzdul, the fictional language of the Dwarves in Tolkien's Middle-earth. While some of the lyrics are directly from the book, others were created for the film. Linguist David Salo, who worked on translating Tolkien's languages for the films, was responsible for crafting the Khuzdul lyrics.
Oscar Nomination: "Misty Mountains Cold" received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 2013. It played a crucial role in setting the tone for the film and was a standout moment for many viewers.
Adaptations: The song has been covered and adapted by various artists and fans. It became a popular choice for a cappella groups and choirs, further showcasing its enduring appeal.
Symbolism: The song represents the Dwarves' quest for their lost homeland, the Lonely Mountain (Erebor), and their desire to reclaim their treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug. The lyrics reflect their determination, bravery, and the trials they face on their journey.
Musical Theme: Howard Shore incorporated the melody of "Misty Mountains Cold" throughout the entire "Hobbit" film trilogy, providing a musical motif that ties the three movies together thematically.
Emotional Impact: The song is often regarded as one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the film series, capturing the sense of adventure and camaraderie among the Dwarves. It has become a beloved part of "The Hobbit" cinematic experience.
"Misty Mountains Cold" is a captivating piece of music that encapsulates the essence of Tolkien's world and the epic nature of the Dwarves' quest, making it a memorable and cherished part of the film soundtrack.