Video appears showing a young tenor singing captivating notes for the soundtrack of "The Lord of the Rings"
In the realm of film music, one name that often echoes with an angelic resonance is that of Ben Del Maestro. Known for his powerful and ethereal voice, Del Maestro left an indelible mark on the soundtracks of some of the most iconic films of our time.
One such film is Peter Jackson's epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Del Maestro's voice can be heard in multiple tracks throughout the series, including the title track for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, as well as in 'For Frodo', 'Osgiliath Invaded', 'The Last March of the Ents', and 'Theoden Rides Forth' from The Two Towers (2002), and 'Minas Tirith' in The Return of the King (2003).
Del Maestro's voice, with its soaring vocal refrains, perfectly complements Howard Shore's epic score and Peter Jackson's cinematography. The line sung by Del Maestro, "Their race was over; all courage gone. A light shone in the west - The White Rider had come," from The Return of the King, is a testament to this harmonious collaboration. This line is sung during the pivotal moment when Gandalf rides in to save the rangers from the Nazgułs on the road to Minas Tirith.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Voices, and London Oratory School Schola were the orchestras and choirs used for all three Lord of the Rings films. These renowned ensembles, under Shore's direction, created a symphony that topped many film music charts, including the Movie Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Shore himself won three Academy Awards, four Grammys, and three Golden Globes for his music in The Lord of the Rings.
Despite his unforgettable name, Del Maestro might have had another career. Since 2003, he hasn't had any IMDb credits, and he seems to have stopped singing professionally after his voice broke as a teenager. However, his early recordings have brought joy to many music and film fans over the years.
Recently, footage of Del Maestro recording his vocals has resurfaced on social media, sparking a renewed interest in Shore's epic score. The resurfaced footage is making people fall in love with Howard Shore's music all over again, reminding us of the magic that was created in those iconic films.
Ben Del Maestro's contribution to The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a testament to the power of music in storytelling. His voice, with its ethereal quality, has left an indelible mark on the series, contributing to its enduring popularity.