In 1970, Rusconi published the first complete Italian edition of *The Lord of the Rings*, with an introduction by Elémire Zolla: now the soundtrack is coming to Milan with *Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings*

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Rachele Orsoni

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  November 12, 2026

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When Rusconi published the complete novel

In 1967, the Roman publisher Astrolabio published *The Fellowship of the Ring*, the first volume of the novel translated into Italian by Vittoria Alliata di Villafranca, who was 17 years old at the time. Three years later, the first complete edition was released: in 1970, Rusconi, a Milanese publishing house, published the work with an introduction by Elémire Zolla.

A Journey from the Shire to the Grey Havens

Nearly sixty years later, the connection between Milan and the saga continues with Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings—a concert lasting about an hour in which a local string quartet performs the music from the trilogy live amid thousands of candles. It is an official series, presented by Fever and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to mark the 25th anniversary of the films.

The scores, approved by Howard Shore himself, trace the saga’s journey from beginning to end through 13 pieces reinterpreted by a string quartet. The tracklist begins with the story of the Ring in “Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All” and stops in the Shire with “Concerning Hobbits.” It then passes through Amon Hen, descends into the depths of Moria with “Foundations of Stone,” and emerges onto the plains of Rohan before reaching Minas Tirith. “The Ride of the Rohirrim” charges across the Pelennor Fields, “The Return of the King” crowns Aragorn, and “The Grey Havens” bids farewell to Frodo, Bilbo, and Gandalf.

A former warehouse in Porta Romana

The setting for Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings is Spazio Filippetti, located at 41 Viale Angelo Filippetti in Porta Romana. Amid Art Nouveau-style mosaics, the light of hundreds of candles will accompany the music from the trilogy.

The space was once a warehouse for storing and clearing goods entering through Porta Romana; today it hosts fashion shows, private events, and concerts. The avenue is named after Angelo Filippetti, mayor of Milan from 1920 to 1922.