Track-by-Track: Soundtrack Discussion and Analysis

[Lathriel]

I'm not a fan of the mordor themes either but I do like this one. It is very creepy indeed. Especially when I first heard this track and the movie;it creeped me out.
The beginning of the track really gives me a sense of a barren landscape and the strings in the background make me think of the wind that is howling through the pass.
At the end we once again have the theme that we were first introduced to in FOTR while the fellowship climbed Caradhras, but it isn't as complete this time around since the theme ends in its Mordor alternative. Overall the listener knows that the hobbits have strayed into an environment that is far from hospitable.

[Folwren]

I missed number eight, and I'm really sorry I did, because that's one of my favorites.

Nine. . .This track I've always seen as cold and hard, as is really great because that's what it's supposed to be. It sounds hopeless to me, and that's really sad.

Not much else to say on this one.

-- Folwren

[Himilsillion]

I love the solos the solos are what make this piece. I like the solos a lot.

[Encaitare]

Originally Posted by Folwren

I missed number eight, and I'm really sorry I did, because that's one of my favorites.

This goes for everyone: if you miss a track and would like to comment on it anyway (as long as it's a relatively recent one), please feel free to do so! This thread is far from rigidly managed.

[The Tennis Ball Kid]

This goes for everyone: if you miss a track and would like to comment on it anyway (as long as it's a relatively recent one), please feel free to do so!

I'm quite glad to hear that, as I've been missing in action for quite a while...I'm sure you know how it is when life gets busy...

But I am indeed here now.


With tracks 3-5 I'll restrict my comments to saying that these three serve as a magnificent suite that shows off several facets of the Gondor theme; with Minas Tirith it's the more martial renditions during the battles; in The White Tree it's the triumphiant version as the city's hope is rekindled; and in The Steward Of Gondor it's the tragedy and nobility of their long defeat (to quote) that can be heard.

It's interesting to note that Gonor's culture is represented by the brass, much the same way Rohan is by the strings, and the Shire by the pipes and flutes...


I really like Minas Morgul, the bombast of screaming violins made this one of my favorite scenes to watch when ROTK was in theaters, but, yes...it's a rather odd choice to follow so closely after the quieter tracks before it.


Riders Of Rohan...Shore does something interesting here...at the begining of the track various sections the Rohan theme are being passed about by the orchestra, reflecting the rapid gathering of the troops...by the end, the whole orchestra plays the theme, Rohan is ready for war!

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.

I believe it is a variation of sorts on the Shire theme, or at least connected to it...it's also heard in The Black Gate Opens, when Frodo is struggling up Mount Doom.

The music after it, and before Eowyn's theme, is related to the beautiful motif from ROTK:EE heard when Eomer is telling Eowyn that Merry (and her) have no place in the war, and during the Merry's Simple Courage scene.

I love Eowyn's theme, bit of a pity it's only on the CDs three times....


Twilight And Shadow is just lovely.....


Most of the first statement of The Ring theme in Cirith Ungol is unused in the film, the horn is taken out of the sound-mix, but the strings remain.

I abhor Frodo sending Sam away, but I'll readily admit that the music is appropriately emotional, and that I'm quite fine with it once removed from the context of the film. Quite fine.

That is the "Cadahras theme" worked in there, it's also in track six, but in both cases the music was dropped from the film.
*********************
And as a final note, the FOTR box-set was moved back to December 13th, as no doubt you know if you've pre-ordered it from Amazon or etc....

ttbk

[Lathriel]

Thanks TTTK
I would really like to hear more of the FOTR score and then we can discuss it on the Barrowdowns!!!! It could be the next thread after this one is done. We would be busy for a long time.
Once again, I'm coming back to your post TTTK. I had never really realized that the Ride of the Rohirrim has the Rohan theme passed around through the orchestra. But now that you mention it...I really like playing those kind of pieces where each section has its little moment to shine and pass the theme along.

[Encaitare]

The track opens with the Rivendell theme in the brass. It is then furthered and developed for much of the track with the whole orchestra and choir joining in.

Elo! Andúril; [choir: 0.28]
Lach en Annûn [choir: 0.36]
I chatho asgannen, [choir: 0.43]
Ad echannen! [choir: 1.02]

Behold! Andúril;
Flame of the West
The blade [that was] broken,
[has been] remade!

At 1:15, we return briefly to brass and lower strings in a melody that reminds me of a mix of Rivendell's music and "Into the West". At 1:43, the upper strings enter. At 1:56, there is growing tension; 2:17 to the end gives us that lovely softness in which Elrond and Aragorn say, "I give my hope to Men," "I keep none for myself".

The coolest part about this track is how the Rivendell theme is used in different ways. As TTBK pointed out in his last post, Shore seems to be using that technique a fair amount in this score.