Track-by-Track: Soundtrack Discussion and Analysis - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Elladan and Elrohir · 10-31-2005, 03:51 PM

Just *BUMPING* this thead back up to the top so we can hopefully continue this fascinating discussion.

Lathriel · 10-31-2005, 08:29 PM

Encaitare, what's going on. I would dearly like to continue the discussion. We left off with the beautiful melody in track three. What will happen with track four?

Encaitare · 11-01-2005, 10:03 PM

I'm really sorry for keeping you guys waiting. I've had so much RL stuff going on that has made it difficult for me to get online for a good amount of time, and when I was able I had to devote the time to Werewolf. But enough excuses. Since I suppose there seems to be popular demand, let's resume. Since Track 6 is pretty short, I think we can move on to Track 7 on Friday.

The switch from the pretty music of Gondor to the variation of the harsh Mordor theme is very jarring -- I always listen to the more lyrical tracks with the volume way up, and then I have to rush to turn it down before my ears get blasted!

The upper instruments play the main Mordor theme while the lower ones play in descending thirds. Beginning at 0:36, the music becomes very tense, and then with the tremolo or trill at 0:56, we are back into the brash theme. The drums at this point remind me of the 5/4 Isengard beat, although that's probably to embody the chaos of Mordor and Minas Morgul since Isengard really has nothing to do with this part. 1:29 is more gentle as the immediate danger passes.

This track isn't really a favorite of mine, just because it is so loud and brash... but I guess it's fitting for the location to which it pertains!

Lathriel · 11-02-2005, 10:29 PM

The first time I was listening to this CD I jumped when this track came on. It actually happened to me several times and I also had moments where I rushed to trun down the volume. I don't like this track very much either. However, I do like the last part. The melody there is actually heard before in the Fellowship when they are climbing mount Caradhras. So I really liked to hear it again.

Encaitare · 11-05-2005, 12:02 PM

Since I don't really like "Minas Morgul," let's move on to Rohan! Ooh, pretty music!

As the title would suggest, the Rohan theme is featured for much of this track, sounding very militaristic. I love how Shore can bend and shape the same theme into so many different styles. And O! that lovely hardinger, in that lovely minor. Gets me every time, right here. *points at heart*

At 0:52, there is a solo on a wooden flute... I am not sure if it's a theme we've heard before, but it's the part when Theoden tells Merry that he cannot come with the Riders. It sounds like it could be tied into the Shire theme, but at a much more sorrowful extreme. Between the solo and approx. 1:30, the horns and strings build up to the crescendo into Eowyn's little theme, when she scoops up Merry. (It's a nice little theme, really. Fits very nicely with the main Rohan theme.) The track ends very triumphantly as the Rohan theme is varied with new rhythms.

Himilsillion · 11-05-2005, 05:05 PM

This track is my second favorite track of the entire score. I really like the varitions Shore put into the Rohan theme. You can here some large percussion playing after Eowyn's theme to the end. I think that adds some very nice touch to the harmony and the little details. The way the middle part (flute solo and Eowyn's theme) flows is very nice. I like how the transitions from the militaristic style and the soft emotional middle part.

Lathriel · 11-06-2005, 03:02 PM

We Made it To Page 6!!!!!!
I also really like this track. The Rohan theme goes well into war mode.( the Lothlorien theme isn't as good at it) I like how this track begins fast, then has a slow middle and a fast ending. Merry's moment is so nice, I always thought it sounded like a variant of the Shire theme.

Encaitare · 01-01-2006, 11:43 AM

An article in my local paper today about the new 4 disc Fellowship soundtrack: Chord of the 'Rings'

Newsday loves horrible puns.

Encaitare · 11-12-2005, 03:03 PM

Okay, let's go with "Enca shall now update this thread either Friday or Saturday of every week, depending on what her schedule allows." And this week, it happens to be Saturday.

Quote:

Ngîl cennin eriel vi
Menel aduial,
Glingant sui vîr
Síliel mae.

Ngîl cennin firiel vi
Menel aduial,
Dúr, dúr i fuin
Naenol mae.

I saw a star rise high in the
Evening sky,
It hung like a jewel,
Softly shining.

I saw a star fade in the
Evening sky,
The dark was too deep and so light died,
Softly pining.

So this is the part with Arwen and her vision. It's a nice scene, with lovely music, but the best part is, of course, Elrond in his little corsety robe.

We can tell she is returning to Rivendell by the arpeggios of the Rivendell theme in the string section. A small oboe solo connects this section with a darker rendition of the same theme as the reforging of the sword is discussed. We then hear this:

Quote:

An i ú nathant
An i naun ului
A chuil, anann cuiannen
A meleth, perónen

For what might have been,
For what never was.
For a life, long lived
For a love half given

The soloist soars high as it is made clear that Arwen's decision is made.

So: do you like? Not like? Let's talk -- I want responses, especially seeing as you all were so distraught when I didn't update for a while.

Himilsillion · 11-12-2005, 05:16 PM

I love the Arpeggios!!! The balance is good and the vocals are very pretty. I didn't really like the Oboe solo at 2:05 because it was to short and should have been more prominent in the transition. The transistion might have been better if you added some lower voices to harmonize with the Oboe. Personally I am not a big fan of oboe solos.

10-31-2005, 03:51 PM	#1
Elladan and Elrohir Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Halls of Mandos Posts: 332	Just BUMPING this thead back up to the top so we can hopefully continue this fascinating discussion. __________________ "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." THE HOBBIT - IT'S COMING

10-31-2005, 08:29 PM	#2
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	Encaitare, what's going on. I would dearly like to continue the discussion. We left off with the beautiful melody in track three. What will happen with track four? __________________ Back again

11-01-2005, 10:03 PM	#3
Encaitare Bittersweet Symphony Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: On the jolly starship Enterprise Posts: 1,814	Track 6: Minas Morgul I'm really sorry for keeping you guys waiting. I've had so much RL stuff going on that has made it difficult for me to get online for a good amount of time, and when I was able I had to devote the time to Werewolf. But enough excuses. Since I suppose there seems to be popular demand, let's resume. Since Track 6 is pretty short, I think we can move on to Track 7 on Friday. The switch from the pretty music of Gondor to the variation of the harsh Mordor theme is very jarring -- I always listen to the more lyrical tracks with the volume way up, and then I have to rush to turn it down before my ears get blasted! The upper instruments play the main Mordor theme while the lower ones play in descending thirds. Beginning at 0:36, the music becomes very tense, and then with the tremolo or trill at 0:56, we are back into the brash theme. The drums at this point remind me of the 5/4 Isengard beat, although that's probably to embody the chaos of Mordor and Minas Morgul since Isengard really has nothing to do with this part. 1:29 is more gentle as the immediate danger passes. This track isn't really a favorite of mine, just because it is so loud and brash... but I guess it's fitting for the location to which it pertains!

11-02-2005, 10:29 PM	#4
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	The first time I was listening to this CD I jumped when this track came on. It actually happened to me several times and I also had moments where I rushed to trun down the volume. I don't like this track very much either. However, I do like the last part. The melody there is actually heard before in the Fellowship when they are climbing mount Caradhras. So I really liked to hear it again. __________________ Back again

11-05-2005, 12:02 PM	#5
Encaitare Bittersweet Symphony Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: On the jolly starship Enterprise Posts: 1,814	Track 7: the Ride of the Rohirrim Since I don't really like "Minas Morgul," let's move on to Rohan! Ooh, pretty music! As the title would suggest, the Rohan theme is featured for much of this track, sounding very militaristic. I love how Shore can bend and shape the same theme into so many different styles. And O! that lovely hardinger, in that lovely minor. Gets me every time, right here. points at heart At 0:52, there is a solo on a wooden flute... I am not sure if it's a theme we've heard before, but it's the part when Theoden tells Merry that he cannot come with the Riders. It sounds like it could be tied into the Shire theme, but at a much more sorrowful extreme. Between the solo and approx. 1:30, the horns and strings build up to the crescendo into Eowyn's little theme, when she scoops up Merry. (It's a nice little theme, really. Fits very nicely with the main Rohan theme.) The track ends very triumphantly as the Rohan theme is varied with new rhythms.

11-05-2005, 05:05 PM	#6
Himilsillion Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: In Sweet Home Chicago Posts: 30	This track is my second favorite track of the entire score. I really like the varitions Shore put into the Rohan theme. You can here some large percussion playing after Eowyn's theme to the end. I think that adds some very nice touch to the harmony and the little details. The way the middle part (flute solo and Eowyn's theme) flows is very nice. I like how the transitions from the militaristic style and the soft emotional middle part.

11-06-2005, 03:02 PM	#7
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	We Made it To Page 6!!!!!! I also really like this track. The Rohan theme goes well into war mode.( the Lothlorien theme isn't as good at it) I like how this track begins fast, then has a slow middle and a fast ending. Merry's moment is so nice, I always thought it sounded like a variant of the Shire theme. __________________ Back again

01-01-2006, 11:43 AM	#8
Encaitare Bittersweet Symphony Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: On the jolly starship Enterprise Posts: 1,814	An article in my local paper today about the new 4 disc Fellowship soundtrack: Chord of the 'Rings' Newsday loves horrible puns.

11-12-2005, 05:16 PM	#10
Himilsillion Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: In Sweet Home Chicago Posts: 30	I love the Arpeggios!!! The balance is good and the vocals are very pretty. I didn't really like the Oboe solo at 2:05 because it was to short and should have been more prominent in the transition. The transistion might have been better if you added some lower voices to harmonize with the Oboe. Personally I am not a big fan of oboe solos. __________________ Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Jake: Hit it!