I’m slightly unsure about iTunes, but it can be acquired from other major retailers, like Amazon (link) – where it has a very low score (2/5). Although this is an import, so the price tag hovers at around 30$ (!!).

I do have to admit that I have an affection for electronic music in general especially for background, ambient and chillout music. Perhaps that is why I could not put my finger on what was so peculiar about the non-orchestral score.

And by all means, the re-arranged version is to a large degree recognizable and well-made, no doubt. Unfortunately as most of the electronic music it sounds slightly canned and far too mechanical for the occasion. Such sound may be acceptable or even good in some situation, but this is definitely not what I want from an orchestral score from LOTR. If anything, classical music has to be listened to in proper quality – or even better – live.

Don’t feel bad though about snagging the wrong version, I’m sure we’ve all done it. I’m kind of curious about hearing it now to hear how bad it is. Would that artist named Mask be available on iTunes?