Track-by-Track: Soundtrack Discussion and Analysis

[Encaitare]

Once more, we begin with the Mordor theme: brass and a big timpani roll. You know what I was thinking is interesting about the timpani? It's one of those instruments that is felt rather than heard, much like a bass guitar in a rock band. Unless you're listening closely you don't even think about it, but it just gives the music this great sense of depth.

After a cool gong ring, the strings kick in, sounding rather frantic as the hobbits await that terrible something that they know is coming for them.

Oh, how Howard Shore loves his descending thirds and string glissandos/tremolos.

Something I never noticed before: as the descending thirds continue, there are strings playing sixteenth notes softly beneath them, adding to the tension without it actually registering in your mind. Then arrives the choir, singing more or less the same words as in the past two tracks, only this time it is much more soft and whispery. They sound almost persuasive at first. This reminded me of a passage from the book, in the chapter of the same title:

He [Frodo] was quaking as if he was bitter cold, but his terror was swallowed up in a sudden temptation to put on the Ring. The desire to do this laid hold of him, and he could think of nothing else.

The Ringwraiths of course wanted him to do this so they could get at him. Now, in the movie, this soft singing occurs while they are surrounding the hobbits, so it is in different context. Still, the choice of dynamics is interesting.

The choir swells, and then fades. Quickly, it switches to the Isengard theme, which I must say is one of my favorite parts. You can headbang to it... go on, try it out. I can't see you.

Then this too fades as we come to Gandalf upon the top of Orthanc while he does his little moth trick. I wish I knew what the male soloist was singing; unfortunately Gwaith i Phethdain doesn't have these lyrics listed, and arwen-undomiel.com's daily bandwidth has been exceeded. *sigh* A Google search has not been of aid... as soon as the site is back up I will check to see if the lyrics are listed there.

A trumpet accompanies the vocalist, which I am beginning to think is a representation of Gandalf. When he was riding to Orthanc and the Fellowship theme was playing, the instrument was a trumpet. Just an idea for now; we'll see if it is supported in later tracks.

It then slips back into the Isengard theme, with some lovely jangling chains creating a very industrial feel. Around 3:15 it changes completely for the remaining seconds of the track, which I believe is for the hobbits and Aragorn in the woods. It will provide a nice transition to Track 8, when Arwen appears.

[Sapphire_Flame]

Originally Posted by Encaitare

Then arrives the choir, singing more or less the same words as in the past two tracks, only this time it is much more soft and whispery.

Woohoo! Ringwraith choir! And, after this, they disappear until the RotK soundtrack. *cries*

Enca, I think it might be the same soloist from Track 3 of RotK that sings in this track (cannae remember his name! *headdesk*), but I'm not sure. Sounds right though.

~ Saphy ~

[Encaitare]

That would be the honorable Ben Del Maestro, Saphy. They could very well be one and the same... huzzah for the musical talents of pre-pubescent boys.

[Kitanna]

Just watched the LOTR symphony DVD and it was excellent. Makes me wish I was good enough to be involved in something like that.

[Lathriel]

I think another person sings in FOTR and that Ben Del Meastro only sings in TTT and ROTK. I think it is actually a guy named Edward Ross because he sings In Dreams as well. It says that he is the soloist in my soundtrack booklet. At first I also thought it was Ben del Meastro but I guess not.

Still that solo is my favourite. I love it when you hear the Isengard theme in an awkward 5/4 time and then it changes into this beautiful flowing melody that is sung by one clear voice.

To me it shows how peace can soar over the noise of evil. (Not that the Isengard theme is noise!!!!)

Kitanna, I also saw the LOTR symphony DVD and I too wish I could play in that orchestra. sadly my parents don't want me to follow music as a career. snif. I would just love to play in the London Philharmonic.

[Encaitare]

sadly my parents don't want me to follow music as a career. snif. I would just love to play in the London Philharmonic.

Psh... go for it, girl. If you've got the passion and the talent, there is nothing that can stop you. New York Philharmonic for me, if I can achieve that sort of prestigiousness.

Next track later this evening; I'm going out soon and don't have time to do it just now.

[Kitanna]

Originally Posted by Lathriel

sadly my parents don't want me to follow music as a career. snif. I would just love to play in the London Philharmonic.

That sucks! You should at least try for it, even if it doesn't work out. My parents (at least my mom) would be thrilled if I tried to get into the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, too bad for me I'm no good. Hopefully you'll get the chance to get in the London Philharmonic, Lathriel!

Encaitare~ Can't wait for the next track.

[Encaitare]

We begin here with a single sung note, which is then harmonized by a children's choir. Most of the harmonies sound like minor thirds to me. Then strings and eventually an English horn join in. This beginning part is Arwen doing her dreamy white glowy vision self.

It continues with strings and what sounds like a French horn, all very quiet and romantic for Arwen and Aragorn to have their moment.

At 1:38, the brass comes in, which is -- ta da! -- the Ringwraiths, back for another go at getting that pesky short dude who just keeps on evading them. Nice timpani and a gong are used to build up the tension, and then there is an awesome upper brass bit as the Ringwraiths chase Glorfindel -- whoops, I mean Arwen, and Frodo.

2:31, the choir comes in with the same Adunaic we've been hearing for several tracks, in a slightly different order, though, for anyone who cares to follow along as s/he listens:

Bârî 'n Katharâd
Îdô nêd nêpâm
Nêtabdam dâurad
Nidir nêpâm
Nêpâm nêd aglar

A fanfare follows this as Arwen challenges the Nazgul; a loud gong seems to be what signals their being swept away by the river. After this it all becomes very soft once more as Frodo fades and turns a nice shade of green. There are strings and a soft choir with some very subtle chord progressions.

So, here is where we first actually meet an Elf -- does the music sound elvish enough to you?