April 12, 2003

Re: Mehtare / Howard Shore's Music
Colin

I'd like to echo Mehtare's thoughts on the music of Howard Shore. The first time I saw TTT in the cinema I was too busy concentrating on the story to really notice the music, but second time around, WOW! Even at the very start, when 'The Lord of the Rings' melts into the black screen, even hearing 'new' music psychologically prepared me for a thrilling experience. Throughout the film, Shore cleverly and subtlely builds upon the rich palette of themes from FOTR, often using familiar cues and then developing them in completely new directions.

Hating the thought of waiting many months until I could see TTT again, I procured myself a copy of the film (of dubious providence, but who cares?). Even though the quality of the film isn't 100%, I was still able to appreciate the beauty and depth of the score: the ominously operatic theme for Gandalf's fall from Khazad Dum; the sparsely haunting Rohan theme - generally, a sweeping grandeur that perfectly complements the epic vistas. My personal favourite is easily overlooked - a spinetingling, ethereal choral piece played when Arwen imagines her future as a mortal woman. Gorgeous, producing a deep emotional response within me. Also of note is another grand theme played when Gandalf and Eomer lead the charge of the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep - the film imagery has an overwhelming, mythical, almost dreamlike quality. Allied with the music, I forget I'm watching a film / a piece of 'entertainment', and feel instead as though I'm seeing true myths and legends alive before my eyes. That's the highest compliment I can pay Howard Shore. Please forgive my enthusiastic purple prose, but I'm certain many of you must empathise!