What type of music would you...

[Samwise of the shire]

associate parts of the LOTR with? I mean this, if you listened to lets say Beetohvens 5th symphony-Duhh duhh duhhmmmmm duhh duhh duhhhhmmmm- what would you associate it with in the books?Or The Firebird suite?Or other symphonies, and not just classicl like if you like celtic music and there's this one song what would it remind you of in LOTR?
Thanks for posting
Sam

[Glorfindel]

I think this has been discussed on the "Elvish Songs catagory" but Enya's "Lothlorien" would be a logical choice for when the company is in Lothlorien. Does anyone know if she wrote that song about LOTR? Is she a Fan?

[The X Phial]

She did, she is. :) Loreena McKennitt is also a good one to listen to if you're in the mood to fall into ME-like thoughts (at least in my opinion).

-*-The X Phial-*- You must believe in free will, you have no choice. Isaac Singer

[Lady Eowyn]

Everytime I listen to the beginning of Wagner's Flight of the Valkyries I got to think of the Rohirrim riding on the battlefield at the Pelennor fields..

And he that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom

[Sharkû]

How about Orff's 'Carmina Burana', esp. 'O Fortuna', a well-known epic piece of classical music, also often used in commercials. Most apt for the Pelennor, for example.
There also is a very sad cantata by J.S.Bach called 'The Brother of Sleep', a very emotional piece for example for the departure of Boromir.

[Orald]

Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' sounds like a song that would fit nicely. But when translated, it just loses its magic. :confused: I wish I didn't ask Sharku about that now. Plus it seems slightly cliche, as does 'Ride of the Valkyries'. A shame, I like them both.

'Dual of the Fates', the song in Starwars Episode 1 was pretty good. I don't know the names of any Celtic songs, but they would probably go along with all of this.

'The Brother of Sleep'? hmm, I was thinking Bach, but 'Sleepers Wake' or 'Come Sweet Death'(?) instead. I don't think I have 'The Brother of Sleep'

Thus even as Eru spoke to us shall beauty not before conceived be brought into Eä, and evil be good to have been

[Sharkû]

I just translated the original title by Bach. I think we mean the same piece when talking about 'Come Sweet Death', which is the first line of 'Schlafes Bruder' (Come, sweet death, come coffin-sleep, come and lead me into peace....)

Maybe I'll go digging (to be taken literally... it's buried under a pile of papers...) for the full 'O Fortuna lyrics ;)

[Barrel Rider]

I picked up a song called night fall in the woods i dont know who by but it quite a good song ,reminds me of nazguls and all. Also one called curious gardner is pretty choice as well.

[Galadrielle Annatar]

Every time I hear Barbie Girl I think about the torture in Barad Dur ;)
Seriously though, Dido's Lament by Purcell reminds me of the death of Boromir, but I have never heard it with words :)

[Orald]

LOL, I can just imagine Merry and Perrigrin singing something from Blink182. Perhaps Fatty on the drums.

Thus even as Eru spoke to us shall beauty not before conceived be brought into Eä, and evil be good to have been.

[Meron]

How about My Heart Will Go On when Boromir dies? < ;) I jest - that song does something awful to my central nervous system. In all seriousness, I think Fanfare for the Common Man would be great when Aragorn and Company arrive in the black ships.

[Suldaledhel]

As I said in the topic 'Elfish songs,' I think that the Dragon's Breath by David Arkenstone would be very well suited to the death of Boromir when he confesses to Aragron about attacking Frodo. If anyone has heard the new age Matrix Theme, I forget its actual title and performer, but I have always associated that, especialy the last minute or so, to the Fellowship's stay at Lothlorien. If I think of any more I'll add them accordingly.

They all gazed at him. His hair was white as snow in the sunshine; and gleaming white was his robe; the eyes under his deep brows were bright, piercing as the rays of the sun; power was in his hand. Between wonder, joy, and fear they found no words to say. 'I have passed through fire and deep water, since we parted. I have forgotten much that I thought I knew, and learned much that I had forgotten. I can see things far off, but many things close at hand I cannot see. I shall tell you of my tales at

[The X Phial]

I just remembered Moby's Closure. It's perfect for Lothlorien, especially when everyone is seeing it for the first time.

-*-The X Phial-*- You must believe in free will, you have no choice. Isaac Singer

[Orald]

David Arkenstone? That is a stage name correct? It would be really cool if it wasn't though, having Arkenstone for a last name would be awesome.

Thus even as Eru spoke to us shall beauty not before conceived be brought into Eä, and evil be good to have been

[Mithrandir]

What about ease on down the road from the Wiz when the company is on the journey south? just kidding! :p
Seriously though, there is a new age group called Mythos that i have falled in love with, and some of their music just sounds like it belongs in ME, very mysterous and entrancing.

The Road goes ever on and on

[Samwise of the shire]

I think My heart will go onwould do better when Frodo leaves Middle Earth,Hmmmm lets see again,Beethovens Fur Eiselwould be when Sam is looking for Frodo Fur Elisehas sort of a meloncolic air to it.What about Pippin and Merry singing Oops I did it againWhat do you think?.

Gotta go,keep it up
Samwise of the Shire
Ps what about Rapshody in Blue?Any Ideas?

[Meron]

Another good(?) use for My Heart Will Go On, Samwise!

There's a great old Youngbloods song called &quot;Darkness, Darkness&quot; which, while not necessarily suitable for any particular scene, fits the character of Gollum perfectly -&quot;Darkness, darkness, be my pillow,
Take my hand and let me sleep
In the coolness of your shadows,
In the silence of your deep.
Darkness, darkness, hide the yearning
For the things I cannot be.
Keep my mind from constant torment
Toward the things I cannot see

[Mithrandir]

wow, those lyrics really do fit gollum. sounds perfect for him. lets see. . .rapsidy in blue sounds like the stay in Bree at the inn before all of the trouble starts. what do you guys think bout that one?

The Road goes ever on and on

[Glorfindel]

In my intro to music class we are studying the romantic period and i heard ;Revolutionary Etude by Chopin. that would be a goody i must say.

[Samwise of the shire]

-I probably sound like I've been commenting,thats cause I have on www.tolkienonline.com You comment on all these pics and stuff,but the people tere are to stiff like-well any way I also thought of the scene in Ithillien-when Sam looks at Frodo asleep- for my heart will go on;also.Lets seeeeee ummm Raphsody in blue would do for the party in Hobbiton,lets seeee oh The firebird suite would do when Mt Doom blows it's top,or for the seige of gondor and I think that the William tell overture would go with ;The scouring of the shire;or when the riders of rohan kill the orcs
Sam

[Meron]

YES! YES! YES! Firebird Suite when Mt. Doom goes blooey! Great one!

Reaching back to Mithrandir's Ease on Down the Road suggestion, can't you just hear Legolas singing We're Off to See the Wizard as the Company heads to Isengard? Of course, the lyrics don't fit Saruman, but they could be altered!

[Aldaron]

This discussion has been very intereesting and it only suggests that whatever kind of music we listen to we can think about it and see if it fits any part of LotR. I don't think anyone has mentioned Tangerine Dream. I'm sure some of their music would fit somewhere in the canon. Thanks to whoever it was that mentioned Mythos. Worth giving a listen to.

[Balin999]

Summoning---- Kôr would be great for imladris or anything with the elves.

[draggonklaw]

I can't think of anything in particular, but as I've thought about what it would be like to sit by the fireside with Elrond and the Elves of Rivendell, and listen to the music going along with the tales, I picture such instruments as flutes, classical guitars, and mandolins being played. (perhaps violins also. Bag pipes?). The Elves seem to me to be simple folk, and I imagine a kind of happy folk music, and a few jigs.

[the Lorien wanderer]

Beethoven's ninth symphony when the riders of Rohan arrive. Ah, ecstacy.

[Samwise of the shire]

-did I spell that right-well I thought that rotv would go when Aragorn is coming on the corisar ships,the banner flying in the sun as the jewels sparkle with the radient light of the sun as he arrives to the rescue of Gondor,the enemy filled with dismay that their friends are their foes.

[Zoe]

There's an Australian band called Spiderbait, and they have a song called Horschack Army which I tend to associate with the LotR (esp. riders of Rohan). Ditto Relapse by Endorphin (LotR in general). I think this might be partly association: the first time I read the LotR properly, I was listening a lot to a cd which had those two songs on them.

No-one's mentioned any hobbit-ish songs. I suppose nearly every traditional ballad ever composed would fit that category, though.

[Samwise of the shire]

Generally any fast irish jig music would do,if you've ever seen Riverdance then you'd know that the jigs they do are very Hobbit like ummmmmmm Enyas' music has a more serious side to it but it has sort of a peacefull Shire like air to it,I have this one tape of celtic music thats going watery on me so that stinks but they have a nice hobbitish type sound to it,I'd also think that any scandinavian folksongs would do considering that the Trolls and elves came from the scandinavian legends-well the tall elves came from Ireland-,but who can find scandinavian folkmusic?Well gotta go Sam
Ps the entertainer by Joplin would do for Frodo in Bree*winking*

[noldo]

Overally, I think the music should be something with both Celtic and Slavic features, with little bits of Oriental instruments mixed in (like the drumms in the night fight scene of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon *drool*). Some light and clear choir-music sung in Elvish would be nice as well.

[Feanor]

Weezer. Weezer always puts me in the mood to read Tolkien. The song, &quot;The World Has Turned and Left Me Here&quot; in the title alone embodies the whole way I interpret Middle-Earth. It captures the 'spirit' of the remnants of the elves during the third age, and the music itself has a medieval style feel that you can pick up by listening to the guitar lines. Check it out.
Peace,
Feanor

[The X Phial]

There's always reggae! Or one of the Sesame Street albums ;)

-*-The X Phial-*-

[Estel the Descender]

Letsee:

Medieval Memory (Winham Hill) - Rivendell
Pilgrim (Enya) - Gandalf
Myst Theme - Barad-dur
Only If. . . (Enya) - Strider
Book of Days (Enya/Taliesin Orchestra) - The Field of Cormallen
Fallen Embers (Enya) - Death of Aragorn
Cursum Perficio (Enya) - the Nazgul
Adagio (The Theme of 'Platoon') by John Barber - Scouring of the Shire
Superman Theme by John Williams - Arrival of the Eagles
Battlestar Galactica by John Williams - The Gray Havens

Have any of you heard Tolkien's own music for Namarie?

[The-Elf-Herself]

Usually I want to get into an LOTR-ish mood I'll listen to Enya or Loreena Mckennit. Even though it was the song for "Ever After" I always thought the original version of The Mummer's Dance fit perfectly with the wood-elf feast in the Hobbit. Also, from the first time I heard Lothlorien by Enya, it fit perfectly with the gentle melancholy I associated with that wood. The same goes for "Only Time" and "Tears on My Heart" for all the elven havens. And of course the theme song of my life, and the perfect song for a scout: Anywhere Is. smilies/smile.gif

[Melichus]

The 1812 Overture. Although it's a bit overdramatic--I picture some pompous general getting blasted to glory on a puffy pink cloud, his sword unsheathed and pointd upwards whenever I hear the final chorus.

There is one song on the "James Galway and the Chieftains: In Ireland" album that would be heart-rending for the scene when Frodo leaves Middle Earth for the west. It's NOT Danny Boy, though Danny Boy would be pretty good too...

[Pookabunny]

There's a Led Zepplin song and I can't remember the name, but it talks about how Gollum took this dude's girl to Mordor.
What the heck is the name of that tune?!?!

Anywho, a good, GROOVY song to jam is "I'm every woman" when Eowyn slamms the Nazgul. smilies/evil.gif

[Bill Ferny]

This was a great thread to resurrect!

Enya, Enya, Enya... yeah, yeah, yeah. Enya's good, I'll admit. But why not try the roots of Enya? I think elves sing Gregorian Chant! Or at least Ars Novena.

[Ar-Luman]

I sometimes think of Styx's song, Come Sail Away, when I read about the departure at the grey havens.

[bombur]

For general epic feeling... this sounds really strange, but gregorian church choir singing really works. It is good background for setting the mood in some roleplaying sessions for example. Also Era and of cource the classics have good choises. So do many soundtracks of Sci-fi movies. War of the worlds for example has definately the right feel, as does the first Dune movie.

For middle earth there is some really great choises. Someone called Kosta has composed "music for Middle earth." It has for example soprano voice singing o Elbereth, Gilthoniel. Great.

Other choises may exist as well. When the finnish national theatre did a play that was like 4 hours highlites from LOTR, they composed many of the poems as well. Lamentation for Boromir never leaves me untouched. Theese are in Finnish unfortunately, but similar local possibilities might exist elsewhere as well.


Janne Harju

[ October 01, 2002: Message edited by: bombur ]

[Bombadilo]

When this thread was first started I had mentioned Mythos, a great group that seems to fit the mood of LotR. Also, check out Cirque de Soliel shows, very exotic and captivating music. Mussorgsky isn't a bad classical composor, and his Pictures at an Exhibition would be quite appropriate. Gregorian Chant seems to always get me into a serene mood that makes everything twice as calming, also a good choice. By the way, I appologise for the name change, I have not visited here for so long that my first name got erased! Oh well, thats what technology will do to you smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Here are a few for me...

"Eloi" a track from the soundtrack to the Time Machine - reminds me of Glorfindel.

"Aldebaran" by Enya reminds me of the elves.

The music from Braveheart fits the battles in the book very well.

"Exile" by Enya really makes me think of the elves as they return to the West.

"Deirdre of Sorrows" and "Sky 7" by Mychael Danna both make me think of when Sam thought Frodo was dead.

Any of David Arkenstone's music of the last 5 years makes me think of one part of LOTR or another (well, especially his Music Inspired by Middle Earth music).


There is so much more out there. I have actually made story mix tapes based on what music I think goes best with the book.

[Gil-Galad]

i can only remember two songs, Queen - Princes of the Universe and Sum41 - Were all to blame, that i can relate to the Noldor of the Silamrillion, Princes of the Universe of course to the Noldor princes, and Were all to blame, it can be from when the Noldor leave to Fingolfins death, really how the song goes...if i get help i might make a flash to express it...

[the guy who be short]

There's a Led Zepplin song and I can't remember the name, but it talks about how Gollum took this dude's girl to Mordor.
What the heck is the name of that tune?!?!

Ramble On. :)

Hm... anything by Blind Guardian makes me think of Tolkien :p

[Estelyn Telcontar]

By our more recent policy, this old thread now belongs on the Novices and Newcomers forum. I'm moving it there; you're welcome to continue reading and posting.

[drigel]

Pook:
Ramble On
Zep has a lot of ME references in their early stuff - Misty Mtn Hop, Battle of Evermore etc...
I still say Yes' "Awaken" when reading Silm :)

[Ainaserkewen]

Vivaldi's Four Seasons fits nicely with the LOTR all the way through, you just have it repeat over and over while you read all three books through(if you like to do that on a lazy Sunday). And speaking of repeating songs, it's called Day Cycle, or "Full Circle" in it's published form. The music is by a local composer I know and it's a Piano Trio (Piano, Violin, Cello). The 5 movements are meant to symbolise the day from way before dawn to late night. Though the intended structure of the piece doesn't exactly fit the plot line, I read The Fellowship of the Ring and am remided of the chords of the song.

Funny non-Tolkien related point: When I first read Harry Potter, the first three all together, I listened to the same CD, Big Shinny tunes 6, and now whenever I hear the songs from that CD, I see Harry flying a broomstick or am reminded of another part of the story. Does that ever happen to anyone else?

[Calathanien]

i associated Jimmy Eat World with it only cus when i was reading the book i was listning to that at the same time.

[Bungo Baggins]

I think Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique fits nicely with the unfolding of the story. I also think Beethoven's Ode to Joy fits with the Valar. On a lighter note, Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall" works good with Frodo's journey.

[Mark of Cenla]

Two songs by the prog group Camel:

"The White Rider"

"Lady Fantasy"

[Evisse the Blue]

There's an Irish traditional called 'Avon Dale', which I associate with the beauty of Middle Earth scenery, and this part of this song here:
'(...) pride and ancient glory fey,
such was the land where he was laid"
brings to mind the battles and lastly, Aragorn's death in Minas Tirth.
The song is so nostalgic and beautiful, it sounds like something straight out of Middle Earth.

And there's this Christmas song which has absolutely nothing to do with Middle Earth, that makes me think "Minas Tirth!" only because there's a line there:
"White city, she's so beautiful!' :D
The song is 'December will be magic again' by Kate Bush.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Oh, I must add on "Who Wants to Live Forever," it really reminds me of the relationship of Arwen and Aragorn.

I've also recently (as in, the past year and a half) gotten into a group called Adiemus, and they are very Elvish sounding.

There is also a group called Secret Garden that writes music that strongly reminds me of LOTR.

It's hard to pick any one track on some CDs, because the style of that group, overall, is very LOTR-ish.

[Kitanna]

Cool thread idea! I'm positive someone has already said this, but the one song that jumps out at me is O Fortuna (the version by Opera Babes is the best). I always thought of it as a song that should be played when the Ring is finally destroyed. Then I saw it used for a ROTK trailer by Steve Latham. Good song, very moving. A good song for the battle scenes is Mars the Bringer of War. The name sums it up. And every time the Fellowship goes into an Elven realm Braham's Lullaby automatically comes into my mind.

[AbercrombieOfRohan]

sir thomas Moores Last rose of summer always reminds me of eowyn.

'Tis the last rose of summer, Left blooming alone.All her lovely companions Are faded and gone.No flow'r of her kindred, No rosebud is nigh, To reflect back her blushes Or give sigh for sigh.

and then of course Faith hill's Man! I feel like a woman.... ;)