2021 Nachrichten aus Mittelerde (Gert Heidenreich & Timmo Niesner)

Unfinished Tales

Release Date: 2021.11.22
Reader: Gert Heidenreich & Timmo Niesner
Language: German
Translator: Hans J. Schütz
Organization: © 2021 Der Hörverlag
ISBN: 9783844544091
Duration: 23 hours 36 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: Germany
Licenced: Yes
Formats: MP3-CD, Digital

This production utilizes a dual-narrator system to mirror the structure of Christopher Tolkien’s editorial work. Since Nachrichten aus Mittelerde is not a single continuous novel but jumps between narrative stories and significant editorial footnotes.

Gert Heidenreich (The Anchor): Heidenreich (see profile page) carries the majority of the weight. He reads the primary narrative texts (like the Narn i Chîn Húrin or the Quest of Erebor) and the editorial commentary by Christopher Tolkien. His voice acts as the steady hand throughout the 23-hour journey.

Timmo Niesner (The Specialist): Niesner provides the vocal variety. He is often used for specific appendices, geographical descriptions, and technical notes. His youthful clarity provides a necessary contrast to Heidenreich’s deep baritone, preventing listener fatigue during the highly academic sections on the Druédain or the Istari.

The 2021 release contained a physical supplemental material which includes illustrations and maps by the “Big Three” of Tolkien art: Alan Lee, John Howe, and Ted Nasmith. Unlike most audiobooks which have a simple inlay, this featured a massive 100-page guide. 85 pages of the booklet are dedicated to a comprehensive register of names and places.

Timmo Niesner, born in 1971, had his breakthrough at the age of 12 in the television series “Ich heirate eine Familie” (I’m Marrying a Family). He has also worked extensively as a voice actor most notably as the German dubbing voice of Elijah Wood. Other works include roles in ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, Danish Girl, The Theory of Everything, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond.