[Encaitare]

Great topic, mark!

What are the similarities in the way music is treated in Phantom of the Opera, and the way it is treated in Middle-Earth? What, musically speaking, are the differences?

Music is a force of creation in Middle-earth, as told in the Ainulindale. The very world was sung into existence out of the Void. It is also a form of enchantment and power. Felagund and Sauron strive against one another in song:

He chanted a song of wizardry,
Of piercing, opening, of treachery,
Revealing, uncovering, betraying.
Then sudden Felagund there swaying
Sang in answer a song of staying,
Resisting, battling against power,
Of secrets kept, strength like a tower,
And trust unbroken, freedom, escape;
Of changing and of shifting shape,
Of snares eluded, broken traps,
The prison opening, the chain that snaps.

-the Sil/Lay of Leithian

Etc, etc. Song can be used as a way of getting into another person's mind, turning into a battle of wills. Such song can bring back painful memories, or make the listener long for something unattainable. Sauron sings/chants of the Kinslaying and all the evils that the Elves have done, and was able to overcome Felagund. Similarly, the Phantom uses his song to get into Christine's mind. She, a musician, is deeply affected by this and is easily swayed, especially since she thinks that the voice she hears is that of her dead father, or at least that of the "angel of music" he promised to send to her.

Luthien's song is her power. Her song reaches Beren in his prison, and "the isle trembled" at hearing her. Later, she is able to send Morgoth and all his servants into sleep. While Christine does not have an influence like this, the Phantom almost does, in his song's sheer effectiveness and influence over Christine. A major difference here, though, is that the Phantom's song has this great influence over her alone, whereas Luthien's seems to be able to bend anyone to her will.

Music was part of what made Luthien and Christine so attractive. Beren first beheld Luthien singing and dancing, and he fell in love with her right away. Morgoth had a sort of lust for her when she came to him and he heard her sing; he desired to corrupt her purity. In the Phantom movie, Raoul first recognizes Christine on stage as she stars in the opera; he falls in love with her all over again. Christine's ability to "make my [the Phantom's] song take flight" made him love her too.

And (Second question) what are some of the similarities and differences between the two triangles: Raoul, Christine, Phantom; versus Beren, Luthien, Morgoth?

Raoul/Beren's love for Christine/Luthien was much more pure than the feelings the Phantom/Morgoth held for her. In the Phantom/Morgoth's case, it was a very selfish feeling -- although the Phantom did indeed love Christine, and it was not just lust or the desire to corrupt her. His love for her, though, was without regard to anything else; he was willing to kill Raoul so they could be together.

The Phantom and Morgoth were both arrogant -- they had skill and they knew it, and demanded respect from others for it, thinking that they deserved to be treated better. Morgoth fell because of this arrogance, becoming the Black Enemy, and the Phantom killed people or caused disasters to occur at the opera house when his demands were not met.

Can't wait to read others' responses!