Perhaps one of the most heart-rending moments in the Trilogy is when Faramir leads the doomed cavalry charge from Minas Tirith to Osgiliath, so it was only fitting that the musical accompaniment be similar. The Steward of Gondor seems to fit the atmosphere in the movie at that time: sad, but somehow regal and almost as if it’s a funeral march.
When Faramir and his men are marching through the streets of Minas Tirith on horses, the song is almost processional, conjuring up an image of pride, joy, war, sorrow, of a peace that was won over years of war and bloodshed, of people who have survived only because others haven’t. It’s a bittersweet picture, but something almost integral to the film, the fact that sometimes you just have to pick up a sword and fight, because if you don’t fight for the ones you love and the things you care about, who will?
Once the cavalry charge is on the Pelennor, the music picks up on the horns, the strings filling out the background. The horn seems to be the musical instrument chosen to represent Gondor, as it appears both in the Gondor Theme, and in the background when Boromir speaks of Gondor at the Council of Elrond. Strings also seem to be a part of the Gondorian theme.
When the charge is reaching Osgiliath, the music picks up in tempo, matching the atmosphere of the movie. Just when it reaches a dramatic point, the music fades out, and all that can be heard is Billy Boyd singing. Images change from the cavalry to the throne room, and Pippin’s words at this time fit perfectly with the doomed cavalry charge.
The Steward of Gondor’s rich musical themes and haunting lyrics are a fitting accompaniment to the movie, and the Gondorian horn theme comes through. It’s a piece of music with a bit of sorrow, a bit of pride, a bit of anxiety. It’s a wonderful piece with wonderful harmonies and a haunting melody. All in all, The Steward of Gondor is a song rich in emotions and feeling.
by MarchwardenOfIthilien
One response to “Music Review: The Steward of Gondor”
That moment and time was a battle which was lost, but they still push forward in the battle to show their enemies they would not give up. The song told that story in such a way that you could feel the battle within your soul.