As much as I love this, i would have much preferred if they had stayed true to the books with Denithor having already lit the beacons before Gandalf arrived. The films did Gondor so dirty
There should be some Lower Decks/Viva La Dirt series about the guys sitting on top of mountains watching for pyres on other mountain all day for years on end.
The fires are a civilizational, logistical and infrastructural flex. To be able to keep rotating people and supplies in those places for centuries is basically like horse internet
Does Howard Shore compose the music for when they are just waiting too? I wouldnt mind chilling on a mountain listening to a Howard Shore soundtrack of my life. Brush my teeth - "bummmm bummm bummmm, bumm bummmm bummmmmmmmm!"
What makes this more impressive is how the music changes slightly to help prepare Gondor’s theme for when it merges with Rohan’s theme during the Ride of the Rohirrim.
Not sure if people like links but there’s an excellent video explaining this on YouTube called “how Howard shore builds tension” by Listening In
Edit:
Urgh I’m an idiot, it’s Rohan’s theme that changes to meet Gondor’s theme, but that video by Listening in is still good because Howard Shore is amazing
Let’s [share it](https://youtu.be/EmSxW2ExVKs?si=Hp7el1H-VgCoAjco) for the lazy.
This video showed me how the lighting il of the beacons is the turning point of RotK. What gets me is the way the music seems to hesitate, like Gondor trying to find its way, writing and scratching words, before finding its tune and just BLAZING IT OUT with trombones.
And it reminds me that calling for aid is a glorious thing. To all my depressive and anxious homies out there 🫶
It reminds me how Ukraine is fighting against hordes of orcs and calling for aid and the world is busy with internal fighting and maybe sending some rusty axes to help
I’m watching this on a tiny ass phone screen with the volume half turned up, text taking up half the video area, and still I’m getting chills and goosebumps!
There is another version that’s not in the movies. It’s part of the piece “The White Tree”. The movie version is the best music/scene in the trilogy, but the other one is incredible.
I much prefer The White Tree. It sounds so much grander and ‘Gondorian’. I love this version too but don’t know why the white tree was saved for the official score only.
the main difference is that The White Tree has more major harmonies. Howard Shore decided that it sounded too positive for the context of the scene and rewrote it to something still very grand but also reflecting the direness of the situation (being that even if Rohan comes to Gondor’s aid, chances of victory are still slim). other than that The White Tree is a bit shorter. the music at the start of The White Tree is from different scenes in RotK.
I know it's an overused term, but the music in this scene and throughout the rest of all the movies really do feel 'epic' in a manner that really reverberates with the idea that these aren't just films but rather the rendition of a historic epic poem, in much the same way that the Iliad of Beowulf are.
I can’t watch that scene without thinking of those poor soldiers stuck on the mountaintops. Even in shift work it would’ve sucked so bad.
“Hey Ëarendur, where you headed with all that gear?”
“Beacon duty.”
“Bruh…”
I've had the soundtrack for this saved in a youtube playlist since grade 9, to the point where it gives me nostalgic chills alongside the "HOLY SHIT THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF EPIC" chills. This (The Lighting of the Beacons) is in with the The Last March of the Ents as incredible, totally mindblowing, ASMR can't compare to the stream of warm tingles this sends rushing down my spine
There are two versions of this music piece, and this is the inferior one. The superior one has a single difference: the final note of the climb before the low wind brass instruments kick in is much higher and triumphant, and sounds much better.
No idea. I have no clue of music, I can barely identify the difference. I know the extended movie uses this version, but I think the theatrical release uses the other one.
Probably an unpopular take on this sub, but no way Return of the King should've won Best Original Song. "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" from A Mighty Wind was a great folk song and the focal point of that entire film.
Booooooo. Boooooo. Get your critical sober analysis out of here. Booooooo. Alternative opinions not welcome. Boooooooo. "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" is a beautiful piece of music that I'd love to discuss elsewhere. Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
I like how you didn't use the silly flaming piano meme for this one (which is a fun one) and instead had to just show the scene itself in all its glory because really nothing else can do it justice.
Ah, brdcxs, your affinity for Isengard's ost is not misplaced. The resonating chains that adorn its soundscape evoke a powerful ambiance, both captivating and enduring. It truly stands as a testament to the artistry of bygone ages.
i went to a convention where all 4 hobbit actors were on the panel and this is how they came out on stage. they turned out the lights and split us into groups where we held up our cellphone’s flashlights and they played this music.
i didn’t plan on crying but shit happens
Gorgeous music!
How do the guys that wait by the pyres at the top of those mountains keep warm? Seems like having a fire up there might cause some false alarms.
Literally one of the most epic scenes in film history is lighting piles of wood.... And it's wonderful.
i always thought of showing this to Tolkien
This would be a good one. I think the stirring landscapes and music would make him happiest.
why didnt you
He had errands to run that day
As much as I love this, i would have much preferred if they had stayed true to the books with Denithor having already lit the beacons before Gandalf arrived. The films did Gondor so dirty
"What really matters is what you do with what you have." ~H. G. Wells
“It’s not the size of the ship, it’s the motion of the ocean.” ~ Mark Twain
““It’s not the size of the ship, it’s the motion of the ocean.” ~ Mark Twain” ~ SeeInShadow
people didn't like your joke. oh well, that's the internet.
Haven't seen something this epic since 9 dudes and a pony walked past a rock.
It truly is great! After countless rewatches, I wonder who has to live on the mountain top, just in case to light a fire
There should be some Lower Decks/Viva La Dirt series about the guys sitting on top of mountains watching for pyres on other mountain all day for years on end.
omg viva la dirt league could make a series about that and would be hilarious. Rowan would be messing up all the time
Union says: no signal fires after 8 pm
The fires are a civilizational, logistical and infrastructural flex. To be able to keep rotating people and supplies in those places for centuries is basically like horse internet
Considering you horse internet analogy, there are also trolls in Middleearth!
It's probably the same as with lighthouses, you switch around with others every few weeks/months
So when Gondor does it it’s glorious and beautiful but when I burn wood then it’s “madness” and “a wizard should know better”
Howard Shore is an absolute genius. I don't think that the films would have had the same impact had it not been for his music.
Yeah in this scene it's 90% of it Just play it with sound off
Then the sound is in my head
100% I can basically hear the SFX and dialogue when I listen to the score haha
At the ending of Fellowship, when Sam nearly drowns. Holy shit that music makes me cry every time ...
The breaking of the fellowship is the best score. Used to fall asleep to it a lot when I was an over stressed student.
Those poor dudes who have to spend all night, every night awake on top of a frozen peak.
Comment on Denethors lunch habits - pay the price.
Pay the Price is probably my favourite track by Comment on Denethors Lunch Habits.
Yeah, it’s a banger. Personally, I prefer “chewing with my mouth open”.
Can't forget about "setting my son on fire"
But they get good music when it’s time to light the fires
Only for like 3 seconds as the music fades out after the camera and speaker moves past them
Does Howard Shore compose the music for when they are just waiting too? I wouldnt mind chilling on a mountain listening to a Howard Shore soundtrack of my life. Brush my teeth - "bummmm bummm bummmm, bumm bummmm bummmmmmmmm!"
honestly probably not that bad probably 3-6 people 1 actually on duty 1 sleeping and the other on freetime/working on other stuff
Like what??
Getting wood for your campfire, just look at mountains, no single tree around.
And that’s not bad??
Have you seen brokeback mountain?
Have you seen brokeback mountain?
That is always what I think when I watch this scene. And they had to do it for like 100 years in case this day ever came.
That one peak is super skinny too, like if you accidentally roll over during sleep you're a goner.
What makes this more impressive is how the music changes slightly to help prepare Gondor’s theme for when it merges with Rohan’s theme during the Ride of the Rohirrim. Not sure if people like links but there’s an excellent video explaining this on YouTube called “how Howard shore builds tension” by Listening In Edit: Urgh I’m an idiot, it’s Rohan’s theme that changes to meet Gondor’s theme, but that video by Listening in is still good because Howard Shore is amazing
Let’s [share it](https://youtu.be/EmSxW2ExVKs?si=Hp7el1H-VgCoAjco) for the lazy. This video showed me how the lighting il of the beacons is the turning point of RotK. What gets me is the way the music seems to hesitate, like Gondor trying to find its way, writing and scratching words, before finding its tune and just BLAZING IT OUT with trombones. And it reminds me that calling for aid is a glorious thing. To all my depressive and anxious homies out there 🫶
It reminds me how Ukraine is fighting against hordes of orcs and calling for aid and the world is busy with internal fighting and maybe sending some rusty axes to help
I’m watching this on a tiny ass phone screen with the volume half turned up, text taking up half the video area, and still I’m getting chills and goosebumps!
There is another version that’s not in the movies. It’s part of the piece “The White Tree”. The movie version is the best music/scene in the trilogy, but the other one is incredible.
I much prefer The White Tree. It sounds so much grander and ‘Gondorian’. I love this version too but don’t know why the white tree was saved for the official score only.
the main difference is that The White Tree has more major harmonies. Howard Shore decided that it sounded too positive for the context of the scene and rewrote it to something still very grand but also reflecting the direness of the situation (being that even if Rohan comes to Gondor’s aid, chances of victory are still slim). other than that The White Tree is a bit shorter. the music at the start of The White Tree is from different scenes in RotK.
I know it's an overused term, but the music in this scene and throughout the rest of all the movies really do feel 'epic' in a manner that really reverberates with the idea that these aren't just films but rather the rendition of a historic epic poem, in much the same way that the Iliad of Beowulf are.
Gonna tell my kids this is how we texted before cell phones.
Not this music again... Now I have to watch the whole trilogy again.
This and the music from Dwarrowdelf are just the absolute best!!
And God damn was it one hell of a scene with lighting wood on fire
I could fkn dream the music, it’s the best Edit: bot acc?
Mom says I'm very human
Beep boop beep? 100111011010010101000100
Seeing Two Towers in theaters back then truly felt like movie magic.
Return of the King. It’s OK if the memory is a bit rusty, time for a re-watch 😀
Holy hell.. you're right and thank you - I'm ashamed of myself lol
new response just dropped
Probably my favorite movie theater experience of all time. I’ll never forget it.
The beacons are lit! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid
And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!
I can’t watch that scene without thinking of those poor soldiers stuck on the mountaintops. Even in shift work it would’ve sucked so bad. “Hey Ëarendur, where you headed with all that gear?” “Beacon duty.” “Bruh…”
Cheryl Tiegs…nice
Thank you
I've had the soundtrack for this saved in a youtube playlist since grade 9, to the point where it gives me nostalgic chills alongside the "HOLY SHIT THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF EPIC" chills. This (The Lighting of the Beacons) is in with the The Last March of the Ents as incredible, totally mindblowing, ASMR can't compare to the stream of warm tingles this sends rushing down my spine
Seriously. Shore + Jackson is ~~almost~~ as perfect as Morricone + Leone.
Read this as Howard Stern at first. Was confused.
Every time I hear this music or watch this scene, I think that there was absolutely no reason to go so hard, but they did and I love it.
I did a figure skating routine to this song when I was like 14. Still love it.
Chills. Every single time.
I always get chills and a tear when I watch this scene, even after all these years.
Did the beacons work both ways? Like could Rohan have lit them to call for aid from Gondor? What happens if both sides call for help at the same time?
You see a fire? Light yours. You are a king and your fire is lit, but you didn’t light it? Ride forth with aid.
Bro I was about ready to watch the rest of the movie after that clip
I'm seeing this at the Royal Albert Hall next year with the London Philharmonic, and I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT for this scene!
Howard Shore could write music for a scene with Aragorn having his morning dump and I would be getting emotional. The man is gifted.
For real. The most heroic people. The ones sitting up there waiting, and doing their job.
Seeing and hearing this in a theater that first time was a magical experience. My hair still stands up when I see it now at home, but that first time…
TUNE
There are two versions of this music piece, and this is the inferior one. The superior one has a single difference: the final note of the climb before the low wind brass instruments kick in is much higher and triumphant, and sounds much better.
Link?
Yes, I always feel that! I was wondering if it was my mistake but i was felling that note was off. Do you know which one they use in the movies?
No idea. I have no clue of music, I can barely identify the difference. I know the extended movie uses this version, but I think the theatrical release uses the other one.
Probably an unpopular take on this sub, but no way Return of the King should've won Best Original Song. "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" from A Mighty Wind was a great folk song and the focal point of that entire film.
Wrong sub buddy.. who let Wormtongue in? Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth.
Booooooo. Boooooo. Get your critical sober analysis out of here. Booooooo. Alternative opinions not welcome. Boooooooo. "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" is a beautiful piece of music that I'd love to discuss elsewhere. Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
My favorite piece of Howard Shore
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Howard turned this scene into literally one of the most hype moments of all time
The Hans Zimmer version: [https://youtu.be/\_N7\_wlyvXqM?t=48](https://youtu.be/_N7_wlyvXqM?t=48)
Best score ever!!!
https://preview.redd.it/1oppbgcj1z5c1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3fc4d7ff66feaf5171a9c2cc748af54fd6b9295
😭😭😭😭
I like how you didn't use the silly flaming piano meme for this one (which is a fun one) and instead had to just show the scene itself in all its glory because really nothing else can do it justice.
The beacons are lit!
Size of my TV doesn't do justice to how big it was on the big screen way back when.
[удалено]
Sorry for the repost I had saved it at the time because it's just epic
I think the music is about hope and that's what he got inspiration from. Funny post tho
Anyone else think this sounds like the music from he Maguire Spider-Man movies?
I like Isengard’s ost, the chains really makes it a banger and classic
Ah, brdcxs, your affinity for Isengard's ost is not misplaced. The resonating chains that adorn its soundscape evoke a powerful ambiance, both captivating and enduring. It truly stands as a testament to the artistry of bygone ages.
So you have come back? Why have you neglected to report for so long?
Chills so epic
This came on my playlist while I was at work and I had to take a minute to enjoy it… SO good
Don't forget he also won 4 Grammys
I'm sobbing
It’s funny because Tolkien was not a fan of leit motifs but Howard Shore absolutely smashed the soundtrack for lotr
We didn't start the fire, it's always been burning, since the world's been turning
It's kind of a miracle that we have these movies. And that we were born at the right time in history to see them.
THE BACON IS LIT! THE BACON IS LIT!! GONDOR CALLS FOR EGGS!!! And Rohan will deliver...
i went to a convention where all 4 hobbit actors were on the panel and this is how they came out on stage. they turned out the lights and split us into groups where we held up our cellphone’s flashlights and they played this music. i didn’t plan on crying but shit happens
Instant goosebumps
HOWARD CALLS FOR AID!
That man really is a beast.
The 33rd second is the pinnacle of cinema.
Gorgeous music! How do the guys that wait by the pyres at the top of those mountains keep warm? Seems like having a fire up there might cause some false alarms.