Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Howard Shore)

In Return of the Kings, Howard Shore uses a classical orchestra, and possibly a theremin in a few instances as well as a couple instances of lyrics, for all of the underscoring. The little diagetic music involves singing, battle horns, and, at least in the other two movies of the trilogy, some fiddle. Shore does not tend to use the typical musical sound of Korngold and Steiner in which non-violin strings frequently fill up the background or make up most of the underscoring, leaving brass and violin noticeable primarily in intense sequences. Perhaps to create a sort of Celtic atmosphere, Shore uses the violin/fiddle frequently in Return of the King. It especially evokes the pastoral setting of Rohan and its Rohirrim cavalry. He also employs brass frequently, and it fits in terms of Classic Hollywood traits because it is used with powerful men, large tracts of land, and battles.

Shore repeats many snipets of longer songs throughout all three movies, creating both direct and indirect leitmotifs. The ½Eb ½D ¼D ¼D ½Eb... (both taken from trombone sheet music) sequence and the ¼C ¼C ¼C ¼Eb ½D ½Eb ½F 1C... show up throughout: the first (EbD) represents the hopes of the fellowship; the second directly shows up whenever the Rohirrim appear. The EbD first appears in Fellowship of the Ring in "The Prophecy," the title credit song which starts off slow and mysterious and then introduces the EbD leitmotif. In Return of the King, EbD first appears with Aragorn and Merry as they watch Gandolf and Pippin ride to Minas Tirith in an attempt to council the Steward, Lord Denathor, for the upcoming defense of the city. It later appears with Sam and Frodo as Sam assures Frodo that they'll return from the journey to Mt. Doom. It occurs at least 6 other times, usually not lasting more than about 12 notes. Each time, someone in the fellowship inspires--like Aragorn giving a pep speech outside the Gates of Mordor--or takes brave action--like Sam attacking the orcs holding Frodo hostage. In general, the theme reminds the audience that the fellowship can still overcome the odds, something not obvious due to the constantly desperate conditions facing them. The second (CC) simply appears with the Rohirrim, especially when they are riding their horses. The CC comes from "Rohan," first used in The Two Towers as Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandolf enter Rohan for the first time. This theme is usually first delivered by fiddle and frequently echoed by brass that is not overwhelming.