A film without music loses 70% of its value
Howard Shore - Genius composer
A large part of what makes a film what it is is its music, which gives the film a sonic identity and helps to convey feelings and amplify them. And this is the case with The Lord of the Rings, where Howard Shore, the composer, has done a monstrous and quite simply magnificent job. A simple piece of music makes epic work of three actors running across a field and shots or drone footage flying over the mountains.
I think the music I composed was faithful to Tolkien and sincere. It came from the heart. And I think it spoke and continues to speak to people who love the 'Lord of the Rings' books and films.
- Howard Shore -
Probably the best-known piece of music is from the county: The Shire. This music is the perfect example of one that transmits emotions. When I hear it, I'm immediately reminded of the happy, peaceful aspect of the county thanks to the calm, pleasant notes of the violins that give it a light tone. When you hear it, you know you're transported to a fantasy world, not a real or 'futuristic' one like Hans Zimmer's music for Inception or Interstellar. It is this characteristic style that defines Howard Shore's work and the films, with certain pieces recalling others. At the beginning, for example, there's a less epic version of "Balin's tomb", but it gives a foretaste of the aural pleasure to be had in one of the most impressive scenes in the first film.
Tolkien and is books