Track 6: the King of the Golden Hall
At the very beginning of this track, we hear the hardinger again, followed by a very wistful rendition of the Rohan theme. String instruments are, in my opinion, very dangerous things. They can either sound like dying cats or create some of the most beautiful sounds that you'll ever hear. Fortunately, when the hardinger solos at 0:53, it's the latter situation. It's got a feel like a glorious place stripped of majesty, and the hardinger is it's last bit of dignity and strength shining through. The harp is a nice touch.
I like the way the theme does not resolve the way we might expect at 1:34 -- instead, it takes a much darker turn. Low strings and brass dominate for a time before giving way to something more exciting.
2:33 to the end is very sad; it's when Theoden grieves for Theodred. Gandalf is present at the time, and the trumpet, which has often seemed to represent Gandalf, plays a rendition of the Fellowship theme underneath the choir.
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