What the simple Amazon called "The Lord of the Rings [Box Set]" can not be guessed: The four absolutely worth listening to CDs contain all the poems that appear in the novel "Lord of the Rings". How many that are, I was previously not really clear, because I tend to skip over the strained reading a prose text places that do not advance the plot, or not to give them at least the attention they deserve. These CDs can be such a thing does not happen again, because this "right" songs from the texts made, that each poem is given not only a suitable melody, but the singers are also accompanied with instruments. This ranges from guitar or piano accompaniment on accordion, celtic harp with violin or tin whistle to chorus and large orchestra - whichever requires the character of the song straight. So the Hobbit songs and the songs of Tom Bombadil are held folksy, remember times at Nordic, sometimes to Irish folk music, while the songs / epics of Elves, Dwarves and Rohirrim in accordance with the classical tradition of romantic art songs and operas (one each also English church music and Musical). Harmonious these songs are mostly attributable to the 19 part also the 20th century. But always the style in my opinion is suitably selected according to the text, no matter how you may think this particular style of music personally. And almost all the tunes are so catchy that you can be reminded after the first hearing and the opinion is to have always known. However, anyone who is only on rock, pop, R & B or hip-hop, which these CDs will probably not like it, since no elements mentioned styles can be discerned. In extensive and very informative companion book to the CDs 14 singers of different pitch are listed, the songs - easy to understand and match the character who sings in the novel - interpret (eg is Legolas a tenor while Aragorn by a baritone and Gimli are sung by a bass). Arranged the songs are in the order in which they "heard" in the novel, so that if you wanted to interrupt the reading each and could listen to the next song while reading. You have the books but also not take help, because all texts are printed in the accompanying book and even made anticipate a few sentences from the novel each in its proper context. Of the artists, the members of "Tolkien Ensemble", is relatively unknown singer and musician (with interest: tolkienensemble.net) with one exception: Christopher Lee (Saruman) sings "Treebeard's Song" and bears (usually a low instrumental accompaniment ) before all rhymes, which are not marked in the novel as a song, such as the ring verses or the mystery of strings and Boromir. Conclusion: Like For fans of "Lord of the Rings", the Irish and Nordic folk music and classical music (or at least can make friends with) an absolute buy recommendation! One or the other song affects perhaps only the second time or only when you do not listen but alongside consciously aware, but I myself have to buy for a second regret, because the settings of lead to the fact that one appreciates really appropriate Tolkien's poetry (and because I also like the music so well, that I can hear it again and again).