Howard Shore - A Piano Tribute (Aurélien Pontier)

Information

Composer: Howard Shore / Aranger: Dimitri Soudoplatoff

1. Hugo: The Thief
2. The Departed: Billy's Theme
3. M. Butterfly
4. The Fly
5. Eastern Promises
6. Big: Goodbye
7. The Silence of the Lambs
8. After Hours: 9PM
9. Mrs. Doubtfire: Daniel & the Kids
10. Nobody's Fool
11. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Concerning Hobbits
12. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Rivendell
13. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Evenstar
14. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: The Hornburg
15. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Roots and Beginnings
16. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: The Grace of Undómiel
17. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: For Frodo
18. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Dreaming of Bag End
19. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Feast of Starlight
20. Ed Wood
21. Esther Kahn: Five in the Gods
22. Seven: Apartment #604
23. Crash
24. Pieces of a Woman: Ruin and Memory: Movement II. Largo (Excerpt)
25. The Song of Names
26. The Game: Happy Birthday, Nicholas

Aurélien Pontier, piano

Nemanja Radulović, violin

Howard Shore, synclavier (recorded in 2026)

Gladys Avignon, flute

Frédéric Couderc, tin whistle

Natalie Dessay, soprano

Date: 2026

Label: Warner Classics

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In celebration of Howard Shore’s 80th birthday, this monumental tribute album offers a stunningly intimate reimagining of the legendary composer’s most iconic film scores, including The Lord of the Rings, Seven, and The Silence of the Lambs. Crafted by Dimitri Soudoplatoff and personally validated by Shore himself, the album distills grand orchestral works into breathtaking, stripped-back portraits. Pianist Aurélien Pontier leads this evocative musical journey with an expressive touch, alongside distinguished guest artists including violinist Nemanja Radulović and soprano Natalie Dessay. Together, they deliver a rare, quiet majesty that honors the ultimate legacy of cinematic music.

Born in Paris in 1981, pianist Aurélien Pontier studied at the Conservatoire de Paris under Jean-François Heisser and Rena Cherechevskaia, graduating with top honors at a young age. Inspired early by classical recordings, he made his Paris Opéra debut at age nine and soon performed Chopin's First Piano Concerto with the Orchestre National de Lyon. Throughout a distinguished career, Pontier has performed at major international venues such as the Philharmonie de Paris and Tchaikovsky Hall, collaborating with prominent artists and appearing frequently on French radio networks. His acclaimed recordings for Warner Classics include 3D Piano Collection and Vienna: Joyful Apocalypse.