Track-by-Track: Soundtrack Discussion and Analysis

[Encaitare]

A very pretty track, in my opinion. I love these vocal solos that come along every so often. Although, I'm missing the wonderful soprano of young Del Maestro -- that kid can sing higher than me -- luckily he'll be back soon.

So this track features the vocal stylings of Ms. Sheila Chandra, in Sindarin:

Uich gwennen na 'wanath ah na dhín. [0.11]
An uich gwennen na ringyrn ambar hen.
Boe naid bain gwannathar,
Boe cuil ban firitha.

Boe naer gwannathach, [...] [1.33]


'You are not bound to loss and silence.
For you are not bound to the circles of this world.
All things must pass away,
All life is doomed to fade…

Sorrowing you must go, [and yet you are not without hope].'

I think many will agree that the whole "Aragorn's-dead-oh-wait-he's-awoken-being-kissed-by-Brego-just-in-time-to-see-a-huge-number-of-Uruks-coming-along" thing was a bit off, but damn! does it have nice music.

The solo is accompanied by simple, underlying strings and brass. 1:55 marks a transition, in which there is another solo -- sounds like a gentle brass instrument. Here, the accompaniment is very dark, and soon the strings and winds take over the melody. Hints at the themes of Rohan become apparent. It suggests here that this middle section is an alternate scoring of the scene for Aragorn's vision. Which do you like better: the one used, or the purely instrumental version? And just listen to that high C that the violins play at 3:54! O, how marvelously in tune it is!

The biggest switch in the piece comes just afterward; this is when Aragorn is riding to Helm's Deep and spots the Uruk-hai coming. The music builds (turn the volume up and the timpani sounds great) and then becomes properly heroic. The strings play a variation of the Fellowship theme, and the track ends with a bit of the Rohan theme to let us know that Aragorn has reached his destination.

Which of the two vocal solos we've heard thus far (Evenstar, Breath of Life) do you prefer? Why?

[Lathriel]

Just a quick note (I found an internet connection)

I really like this track although I seem to go through phazes of liking it and not caring for it.I don´t know why though.
I like the voice and I do like how they searched for a different voice which could represent a theme. Thus they have a certain voice for Lothlorien, Evenstar, and Gollukm´s song. It certainly makes each track very distinguishable.

[The Tennis Ball Kid]

much of this track consists entirely of strings -- what do you think of this?

Pretty much what has already been said, they give it a very nervous feel....

I think many will agree that the whole "Aragorn's-dead-oh-wait-he's-awoken-being-kissed-by-Brego-just-in-time-to-see-a-huge-number-of-Uruks-coming-along" thing was a bit off, but damn! does it have nice music.

LOL. Yes, I can forgive many things if the music is really good.

The music as Aragorn rides off is absolutely thrilling.

Which do you like better: the one used, or the purely instrumental version?

You know what? I think I'll try listening to this 'alternate' while watching the movie....




ttbk

[Encaitare]

More beautiful Rohan music! The track opens with the Rohan theme and really provides a feeling of strength that has survived for years, as if Helm's Deep itself is a place from which the Rohirrim can draw strength.

The vocal segment at 0:46 mounts tension, especially with the drums in the background as a reminder that battle is drawing near. The next transition comes around 1:50, with the militaristic trumpet. At about 2:30, the Fellowship theme returns to mingle with that of Rohan.

3:04 brings clear tidings that battle has begun. As the Uruk-hai approach, the Isengard theme is boldly represented (I especially love the gongs). The small fanfare at 3:50 makes me think of the Rohirrim on the Deeping Wall answering the challenge of the enemy. 4:10 brings a different version of the Rohan theme than we are used to hearing -- the battle is in full swing.