The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra uncorked an encore presentation of "The Lord of the Rings Symphony" at Heinz Hall last night.

But instead of composer Howard Shore, who led the orchestra last year, Pittsburgh Opera music director John Mauceri made his debut.

The switch was not as far off base as it might have seemed. Mauceri served as Shore's adviser during the long creative gestation of his symphony.

This Cliff Notes version, with projected images by Alan Lee and John Howe, could not have been in better hands. Mauceri decidedly stayed within himself, opting for solid cues and an articulate baton technique rather than trying to match the opulent drama of the score.

Shore's symphonic journey certainly echoes J.R.R. Tolkien's dark and wonderful story, with its mysterious swirling mists, majestic sweeps and whimsical touches where needed.

But nothing can match the impact of Shore's most powerful passages, drawing upon full brass and percussion, along with the Mendelssohn Choir and Children's Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh.

It almost seemed like Sensurround -- certainly even the best home stereo couldn't match this -- and Mauceri wisely held back during the onslaught of sound, almost allowing the musicians to have their way.

Unfortunately most of the soloists, bottled as they were mostly into small and disparate vocal phrases, couldn't establish any warmth of texture.

Billy Boyd, who played Pippin in the trilogy, was underutilized, appearing briefly on a balcony at the side of the stage and Tammy Tyburczy seemed tentative with her entrances.

Kaitlyn Lusk's voice was pretty enough throughout, although she apparently saved her best until the end, when she issued an emotional clarion call during "Into the West."

Although the Mendelssohn Choir was ragged at the start and the men could sometimes sound murky, the ensemble seemed to rise to the fullness of the choral writing, even with Tolkien's Middle-Earth languages. The Children's Festival Chorus, with soloist Joseph David Helinski, added a fantastical element to the score.

But Mauceri enjoyed himself the most, leading the audience through a lush musical landscape that stood on its own.

"The Lord of the Rings Symphony" will be repeated tonight at 8. Call 412-392-4900.