"Misty Mountains Cold" is a song from the soundtrack of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the first film in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" film trilogy, released in 2012. The song is performed by the dwarves in the film as they sing it while gathered around a fire in Bilbo Baggins' home, Bag End. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its history:
Original Poem: The lyrics of "Misty Mountains Cold" are adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's original poem in "The Hobbit." Tolkien, in addition to being an author, was a philologist and created various languages for the different races in Middle-earth, including the dwarves. The lyrics in the film are sung in Dwarvish, one of Tolkien's constructed languages.
Adaptation: The melody and arrangement of "Misty Mountains Cold" were created by the film's composer, Howard Shore, who worked closely with director Peter Jackson to capture the essence of the song as described in Tolkien's book.
Chorus and Arrangement: The haunting choral element of the song was performed by a New Zealand-based group called the Wellington Welsh Male Voice Choir. This added a sense of authenticity and depth to the song, as well as a sense of historical tradition.
Popular Reception: "Misty Mountains Cold" became an instant fan favorite and a memorable part of the movie. It has since been covered by various artists and enjoyed success on streaming platforms and music charts.
Award Recognition: Howard Shore's score for "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" received several award nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Original Score. "Misty Mountains Cold" played a pivotal role in the film's score and contributed to its critical acclaim.
Continued Use: The song's melody and lyrics are referenced in the later films of "The Hobbit" trilogy, connecting the entire film series. It serves as a recurring musical motif throughout the saga.
Cultural Impact: The song has become iconic in its own right, often associated with the dwarves and their quest in Tolkien's legendarium. It has been covered by various musicians and has even been used in parody and tribute videos across the internet.
"Misty Mountains Cold" is not only a beautiful and atmospheric piece of music but also a fine example of how Howard Shore's compositions added depth and emotional resonance to Peter Jackson's adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's works on the big screen.