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Howard Shore's incredible score

posted 9 years ago by Maddyclassicfilms
6 replies | jump to latest

I love the films for the story and characters but Shore's music adds something really special to the films too. It's so beautiful, epic and moving.

The main theme Breaking of the Fellowship always brings a tear to my eye. Whenever I hear it I hear Sam's speech to Frodo about how he promised Gandalf that he wouldn't leave him. It is (in my opinion) one of the greatest film scores ever composed and is a treat for the ears and soul.

I also love The Riders of Rohan from The Two Towers. Epic doesn't even begin to describe it.

Who else loves the music? Which pieces are your favourites?

Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

[–] PterosValley 9 years ago

I totally agree.

Some of the best music ever composed.

Never laugh at live dragons.

[–] BB-15 9 years ago

Agreed. Shore put together a suite taking music from all the LOTR movies.
He performed this in concert and it was very successful.
I think that this arrangement is still on YouTube.

BB ;-)

it is just in my opinion - imo - 🌈

[–] kjnics 9 years ago

Those are all wonderful; I personally felt the Fellowship theme (all variants of the Ring Goes South) etched deep into my heart and soul.

The elven songs in Rivendell and particularly Lórien are also unmatched. Spiritual and ethereal are the best adjectives I can think of.

[–] puirt-a-beul 9 years ago

Wonderful stuff, it is. I think for me it's a mark of how fitting to the scenes it is, that I can't think of it as separate enough from the films to name my favourite themes. There are many grand musical moments, but I don't know their names.

Oddly, I personally found the music in the Hobbit trilogy less affecting or memorable. Maybe I need to rewatch those a few more times. (Don't worry, it will happen!)

It's a little OT, but I must confess to an ongoing hankering to hear Shore's score for Jackson's King Kong. I wonder if it will ever be released? The score Jackson went with was beautiful, and powerful where it needed to be, but ... well, it's not Shore. ;-) I really want to hear how Howard heard the film originally.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] indy_go_blue44 9 years ago

Many many many; the only piece I didn't like at all in all 3 movies was "Shelob's Lair."

Favorite of favorites: The Lighting of the Beacons. The transition of themes between Gondor and Rhohan (when Aragorn runs up the stairs, exclaiming "The Beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!" then the several seconds before "And Rhohan will answer" then the transition to the Rhohan theme still gives me chills.

[–] mjemoneyman 9 years ago

For me it will always be the amazing Renee Flemming singing "Twilight and Shadow". nothing says heartbreak like this song. I love the fact that Mr. Shore chose to put an operatic moment in this movie. I wish this song was longer, or had an extended version of it.