``Lord of the Rings'' Symphony to Be Released by Suite 102/Madacy; Recorded by London Symphony Orchestra, CD Features Bonus Track ``The Sorcerer's Apprentice''.

Entertainment Editors & Film/Music/A&E Writers

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2001

"Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings," by Dutch composer Johan De Meij and recorded by The London Symphony Orchestra, is inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale.

The disc, on Suite 102/Madacy, arrives in stores Tuesday, Dec. 11, in time for the release of the much anticipated film "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," the first installment of Tolkien's famed trilogy.

The Symphony, only the second recording to be authorized by the Tolkien estate, contains five distinct movements, each illustrating a character or episode from the book. The first, "Gandalf," is a musical portrait of the wise and noble wizard, while the music of "Lothlorien," represents an impression of the lush and beautiful Elvenwood where the Hobbit Frodo meets the Lady Galadriel. The third characterizes the monstrous creature Gollum, while "Journey In The Dark" describes the "Fellowship of the Ring's" treacherous journey headed by Gandalf. "Hobbits," the piece's final movement, expresses the carefree optimism of the Hobbits in a happy folk dance. A special bonus track features "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" by 19th century French composer Paul Dukas.

Originally written by De Meij between 1984 and 1987 as a musical piece for wind instruments, "Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings" received first prize at the Sudler International Wind Band Composition Competition in Chicago in 1989. The orchestral version premiered earlier this year in Rotterdam. The London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of David Warble, recorded "Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings" at Golder's Green Hippodrome in London on Sept. 22.

In addition to composing, De Meij is active in various musical fields. He performs trombone with the orchestra "De Volharding," The Amsterdam Wind Orchestra and as a regular substitute with the Radio Chamber Orchestra. He is a sought-after guest conductor and has conducted concerts and seminars throughout Europe, Japan, Brazil and the United States.

Suite 102 is an imprint of Madacy Label Group, a division of Madacy Entertainment Group. The division maintains the company's Suite 102, Relentless Records, Relentless Nashville and Bongo Boy labels. Madacy Entertainment Group, headquartered in Montreal, is a full-service entertainment company, ranked as North America's No. 1 independently distributed label.