Elves and Music

[Galin]

Great song by the way. Some other versions...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr_hhkY4Bnk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdrqkMvCx3I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy3uG_MhNxc

Just a few.

[Guinevere]

What sounds most "Elvish" to me is Enya's music, and many of her songs. (I discovered her only thanks to "May it be" and "Aniron" in the Fellowship movie!)

Especially "Exile" seems to me connected with Elvish sea-longing, also because of the lyrics:

"My light shall be the moon
and my path - the ocean.
My guide the morning star
as I sail home to you."

(Although the video to the youtube clip suggests something quite different, but I heard the song without that first)

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Guinevere

What sounds most "Elvish" to me is Enya's music, and many of her songs. (I discovered her only thanks to "May it be" and "Aniron" in the Fellowship movie!)

I agree wholeheartedly, and I'd rep you if it would allow me to. I've been an Enya fan since the Shepherd Moons album of the early '90s.
As you said, many of her songs have an Elvish feel. "Paint the Sky With Stars" sounds perfect for the voyage of Gandalf, Elrond and Co. to the Blessed Realm.

Suddenly before my eyes / Hues of indigo arise / With them how my spirit sighs / Paint the sky with stars / Only night will ever know / Why the heavens never show / All the dreams there are to know / Paint the sky with stars / Who has paced the midnight sky? / So a spirit has to fly / As the heavens seem so far / Now who will paint the midnight star?

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

How did Tolkien's Elves become associated with that style of music?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

How did Tolkien's Elves become associated with that style of music?

With Enya? I'm sure it isn't, for eveyone.
It's difficult to describe why I hear it that way. It's easier to listen and say, 'Ah, now that's what I mean'.
I think it has something to do with the vocals having an ethereal, somewhat eerie quality, coupled with such strong melodies that manage to have an ancient feel to them.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

How did Tolkien's Elves become associated with that style of music?

Her style is very much based on the Irish folk tradition, and that is a style which many people seem to associate with Tolkien's Elves. I can certainly appreciate the association.

Wiki describes her music thusly:

... Enya became known for her unique sound, which was characterized by voice-layering, folk melodies, synthesized backdrops and ethereal reverberations.

... which does sound quite Elvish, although I don't recall any mention of synethisizers in Imladris.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

But is there any basis to this in Tolkien's writing?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

But is there any basis to this in Tolkien's writing?

Highly unlikely. Enya wasn't born until 1961, and would have been only 12 or so when the Professor passed on.
At any rate, it's all opinion as to what sounds 'Elvish' to an individual listener. For me, Enya probably is the nearest to it.