It’s not a secret that I am a nerd. I embrace the title. And I have many different “nerddoms” that I belong to. But there are two that I think have been part of my life for longer than the others – Middle Earth and A Cappella. And they don’t generally intersect. Until recently…
There is this amazing dude named Peter Hollens. Peter was the founder of the University of Oregon’s male a cappella group On The Rocks (and you should totally search them up on Spotify or YouTube – awesome music to be heard). Peter and his awesome group were on the short-lived (and sorely missed) show “The Sing-Off” during its second season. And not long after, Peter began making his own a cappella music videos, covering popular hit songs. I’ve mentioned Peter before on my blog (click here to read what I wrote and see an example of his earlier vids). Peter does this amazing one-man aca-thing, recording all of the parts and vocal percussion on his own (though he does occasionally include a guest preformer, like his equally talented wife, Evynne). The arrangements are intricate and the sound is beautiful.
Now, those of you readers who only stopped to read because I said “Middle Earth” are probably wondering how this connects with Tolkien. It’s because, in his newest video, Peter Hollens has taken on The Hobbit! When my brother told me about this new video, I thought it would be a cover of Neil Finn’s “Song of the Lonely Mountain.” But, because fans asked for it, he did the “Misty Mountains” song performed by Richard Armitage and the Dwarf Cast in the film. And I love it!
First off, I am always in awe of Peter’s range, cause I’ve heard his tenor… and his baritone is pretty amazing too! Beyond that, I am at a loss for words. This is really another fabulous Peter Hollens special and I am delighted that there is finally something to bring A Cappella to Middle Earth!
Peter also did a version with a stellar violinist named Jun Sung Ahn.
P.S. – I can’t help thinking how cool it would have been if Richard Armitage had been available to “appear” in Peter’s video. That would make one very happy Middle Earthappella fan!
La Voce Vivace 