Why The Lord of The Rings Music Fits Perfectly

What makes the themes from Howard Shore's Lord of the Rings score so perfect for their characters?
🎹 MODES: How to Understand & Actually Use Them • MODES: How to Understa...
📚 The book I reference is The Music of The Lord of the Rings Films: A Comprehensive Account of Howard Shore's Scores amzn.to/3ydOFCv
A lot of elements go into a great theme in film music, like tempo, instrument choice, melodic counter, intervals, and more. But the one thing that affects the relevance of a theme more than anything else is the choice of mode.
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0:00 Intro
0:38 Shire Theme
1:43 Realm of Gondor Theme
2:48 Rohan Fanfare
3:54 Lothlorien Theme
5:25 Fellowship Theme
7:10 Smeagol's Theme
8:05 Rivendell theme
9:00 Ring Theme

[@RyanLeach]

🎹 MODES: How to Understand & Actually Use Them kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3e1nqCkgLh1msk

[@aaronmetz8707]

I think a really interesting video idea would be how to write accompaniment to a melody. There's little to no content on this on youtube and it would be a huge contribution to the community if it's possible.

[@jeromus9996]

The music for LOTR is without doubt one of the most beautifully composed musical soundtracks ever made. It really teleports you right to the realm of Middle Earth. Whoever that hired Howard Shore to compose for LOTR should get a raise!

[@matthewarant377]

Honestly as someone who is a HUGE classical fan... I'm inclined to agree. I think LOTR is the greatest musical masterpiece ever composed. It even surpasses Rach 2 and 3 to me.

[@charlesbluett8195]

@@matthewarant377 comparing the soundtrack of a whole trilogy of movies to a piano concerto doesn’t make much sense

[@Henry14arsenal2007]

Lets take a moment to appreciate the fact that not a single element of these movies was out of place or weak; perfect cast, practical and CGI effects from a studio that cared, unmatched music thats a milestone of human ingeniousness on its own, amazing action, meaningful dialogues, no useless characters, etc etc etc. Stars truly aligned to make the perfect trilogy.

[@amarug]

HOWW did he pump out all these insanely haunting themes in ONE trilogy??? It's just beyond me, still my favorite OST of all time.

[@andrewdrost6786]

History of the Ring manages to be mysterious, captivating, and sinister all at the same time. It's such an incredible theme.

[@simoncopar2512]

2:18 that was definitely D dorian, which is also the mode the beginning of the Gondor theme is in (not minor) - based on the orchestral harmonization which plays a G major chord.

[@michelrrr1]

Yes, dorian, not natural minor, and there is no seventh in the melody.

[@FAFO4wisdom]

I see a fellow guitarist in the chat , 🍻

[@J-MLindeMusic]

The Phrygian dominant for Lothlórien really catches your ear in the film, it feels very unique. I'm not quite sure, but I think it's the only motif in the films that uses that particular mode?

[@monoverantus]

Indeed, but it has a connection to Sauron's theme. Lothlórien is in Phrygian dominant, which just as Ryan said, is one of the modes of harmonic minor, which is the scale of Sauron's theme. Howard Shore has said that they're linked since they're both from the Second Age, older than all other characters and cultures in the score.

[@J-MLindeMusic]

@@monoverantus Makes sense, thanks!

[@moritzrein2907]

OMG! I also have that book and I love it! So glad you made a video on the Themes of LOTR! What's impressive is the sheer amount of further themes Shore has written! For example, the Ents. There is the general Ent Theme, THEN a Theme for Treebeard and THEN a theme called "Small Stones", that describes the relation of the ents and the hobbits! In other words, he didn't really have to go THAT hard, but oh boi he did haha

[@monoverantus]

Fancy seeing you here ; )

[@moritzrein2907]

@@monoverantus Heyy Mono! Also cool to see you here! Didn't expect that! :) I actually also have a KZbin Channel (I don't upload that regualy, but I do videos on all kinds of art) Here is the link! kzbin.info/door/1PG6oJw_4CrfV4WE8JZpMg

[@avivshuker]

This soundtrack is a milestone for me and one of the main reasons i wanted to start making cinematic music. The movies will not be the same without this incredible soundtrack. Those are my favorite movies and trilogy of all time. Thank you so much for making this video!! :)

[@jasonhaiflich8967]

Glad they are your fav movies as they are for me. Hard to find people out there who like these movies like I do

[@matthewjoscott]

very helpful explanation- for me Shore’s score really lifts the film, and your explanation of his use of scales and modes helps explain why.

[@TasarionSindar]

One of the greatest soundtracks. Thank you for this modes use explanation.

[@gkgyver]

It's worth pointing out that outside of the actual themes, which are often more or less harmonized with standard chord progressions, the whole score moves almost exclusively in chords that are thirds, seconds or fourths apart. The whole Farewell To Lorien for example is basically little more than chord relations by thirds. It's a constantly moving soundscape with themes in between.

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

I don't think there's ever been a set of films with music as deep and iconic as LOTR and Star Wars.

[@joshuajennings6852]

Great video. I love the idea of chromatic mediants

[@elegostar6523]

Two of my favorites things combined. Ryan Leach and LOTR

[@bubbles-1020]

I could watch music analysis videos all day. Great content, thank you!

[@matthewball9851]

0:00 Intro 0:38 Shire Theme - Nautral Major / Ionian 1:43 Realm of Gondor Theme - Natural Minor / Aeolian 2:48 Rohan Fanfare - Dorian 3:54 Lothlorien Theme - Phrygian Dominant 5:25 Fellowship Theme - Major Chromatic Mediants 7:10 Smeagol's Theme - Minor Chromatic Mediants 8:05 Rivendale theme - Major / Minor Mode Mixture 9:00 Ring Theme - Polytonality

[@JimMonsanto]

The Shire theme is one of my favorites! This was really fascinating to learn about. I've been composing short pieces for the D&D game I'm in, and this gives me an idea for how I can take my compositions to the next level. Not just using an instrument to represent each character, but a mode as well sounds fantastic!

[@jtbasener8740]

This is perfect! My sister has actually commissioned me to write music for a podcast of hers. This video has offered much inspiration to me. Considering that she suggested that I try something of Middle-Eastern sound for my music, the discussion of the Phrygrian Dominant scale was very helpful. I will certainly look into this more. Thank you, Mr. Leach, for being ever-ready to offer such informative videos!

[@msmonsho]

I don't have a Lord of The Rings emoji, but I really enjoy the music of the ring pretty good melody with a rare harmony, is so great

[@shamrock1618]

I barely understand anything about music theory, but these videos are somehow still really interesting to me, pretty cool!

[@alexbrandt6096]

Loved this video! I would love to see the same video with characters from Star Wars!

[@joshbarron8961]

I really wish Shore had composed the entirety of Rings of Power as his work for Middle Earth is very much his magnum opus.

[@rodterrell304]

Yes the sound track for this movie was tremendous.thanks for presenting this topic, well done.

[@martinhaub2602]

Fascinating! Thanks for explaining this - more complex than I imagined.

[@1warmday1]

Love the examples of mode mixture to establish mood and character!

[@maestrospolzino]

Ryan, ALL of your videos are fantastic! I'm so grateful that KZbin recommended your channel to me! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us! 🎻🎷🎺📯🥁🎹

[@Verinia]

Great video. Thanks for making it, brother! Greatest films/scores of all time. What a gift we were given.

[@MrPedrograndi]

A major chord from outside your key sound more major; and a minor chord from outside, more minor. Fantastic! Thanks!

[@richardwerner50]

Great Video. Small correction to 2:15 you played a d dorian scale and called it natural minor.

[@RyanLeach]

Damn! Good catch, should’ve had a Bb there

[@soyz6375]

Really good video, really interesting! In fact, all the videos I've watched from you were interesting!

[@robinhahnsopran]

I'm in love with every second of this video! Detailed, informative, and well-communicated! Thanks for sharing this ✨

[@actesper9703]

9:10 I think it’s easy to hear the root as A minor if you imagine the E at the end not being the last landing note but accompanying B as the “end” so to speak

[@nicolaberti7698]

Very nice video! I got that same book when I was studying music production but I haven't read it in a while!

[@darimamitypova6964]

Wow! I always thought Shire theme is in minor! There is so much longing in this music... It's pleasing and painfully beautiful

[@fretnesbutke3233]

The Dorian progression is one of Pink Floyd's favorites ("Breathe","The Great Gig In The Sky",parts of the instrumental sections of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond",etc.).

[@JacksonWashburn]

The last minute of the bridge of khaza dûn track is my favorite. It's what plays after Gandalf falls into shadow and fire

[@Cromanea]

Great.... You, Adam Neely, Jake Lizzio and Ben Levin make music theory PHILOSOPHICAL.

[@TheJerry2912]

This video is amazing! I was quite familiar with the LOTR soundtrack, as I recently wrote a paper about it, but the polytonality in the "ring's theme" was new to me. Thank you! :) This little, yet so big detail makes this theme so much better!

[@thevikingbear2343]

Remember we open the whole trilogy with the Lothlorien theme, because Galadriel is the narrator. That is our introduction to LOTR. AND then the Ring's theme swallows Lothlor8en and takes center stage while the title appears, which is crazy because we start the movie with the music fighting into each other and themes not meldign but tKing over. That is how Howard Shore builds tension. We dont get to the Shire until the prologue is completed and then we are home. The music is simple finally and that is why the Shire theme loves rent free in our minds forever. It is our confort after the chaos.

[@rebeccaschade3987]

I only recently discovered your channel. I'm trying to get into composing for orchestral instruments, and I've already learned a lot from your videos. Thanks so much :)

[@jknock148]

As usual, what you taught us in this video was incredibly useful and I’ll be mixing modes with less fear now! Thanks 🙏

[@TheRealLifeSinger]

Beautiful the last result

[@Nicenigel14]

A video about the modes and LOTR! Amazing! So many great things shared in this video! My dad has that book, I should really borrow it.

[@chuckwike5053]

Smart explanation and examination of LoTR themes. The book sounds interesting too.

[@KlittoD]

Lord of the rings since it's release is still what connects me and my brother most, listening to this takes me back.

[@henrique_zsp]

Wow I have to comeback to this video once I can take notes, it's very insightful about the character of each of the themes! Thanks Ryan

[@WizardOfArc]

I played the shire theme on my Tin whistle while watching this video :D

[@joehickles6506]

Just getting started with this channel Ryan, and I’m so glad I found it! Your content is clear, concise and I’m learning so much. The Em over Fm is just fantastic, you can’t help but be drawn in by its seductive quality, much like the Ring itself!

[@AlbertKimMusic]

Wait... what an interesting take, never thought of this

[@greenpeppermint7518]

the music from lotr is my favorite and most nostalgic music

[@kemarcummings1555]

Awesome video as always. I am wondering if we can get a video on the music of Max Steiner or Eric Korngold.

[@EdwardBoydMusic]

looking at this from a background of learning jazz harmony and theory is super interesting as it takes a lot of the modes that we tend to see in jazz standards. very cool video

[@timelovesahero705]

Always enjoy video analysis on LotR music. Would love if there was a version of the LotR films with all audio but the music muted. Would be neat to see how the motifs line up to action on screen.

[@bygon432]

This exists! Search for Monoverantus, he's just finished the whole trilogy.

[@MatthewEverettGates]

Very interesting and clear presentation, thanks!!

[@earthlightsmusic2743]

In my setting of the Beren and Luthien poem to Naektergalen I used Dorian mode for the verses where Beren is advancing with confidence, a Force Theme device.

[@sdghomero]

Thanks for the awesome awesome explanation! Modes are difficult to explain, but they make more sense when explained through themes that one is familiar with.

[@infectedbanana591]

Amazing. I've just discovered your channel and it's ridiculous how much it helps me as a music arranger.

[@musimathematician]

This video is fantastic! Thank you for taking the time to make this! I would love to learn more about composing fantasy music.

[@NathanElling]

I'm always looking around for more examples of using interesting modes and mixtures of modes to express my music, thanks for these examples! I like how these not only show how each choice works for a given character or setting (like how Smeagol's theme sounds twisted like him), but how they contrast with each other to create interesting dynamics between characters and settings (Lothlorien vs Rivendale).

[@alnesbitt6822]

Your channel has become one of my favorite Ryan. Thank you. Love your breakdown and insights of all things composing and in depths on particular film compositions.

[@RWALLEN3]

Great explanation! I really appreciate you going through multiple themes to compare and contrast.

[@jetpriest]

It's great that you're doing so much in these videos, breaking things down for your viewers, especially viewers like me who are just starting in music and have a hunger to learn! :) Thank you!

[@markshields3856]

Fantastic video with great examples to distill down the essence of why the chosen tools are so effective! Glad your channel was recommended and I’m excited to checkout your playlist. Thanks

[@diegorivec]

🗻 great explanation Ryan! loved the bit about -out-of-key majer chords sound "more majory" and same with minor ones. So true!

[@ChrisMuellerMusic]

Awesome stuff Ryan! Thank you!

[@chukwudebeluokudo8564]

Awesome lesson! Keep them coming!

[@marcuslawson4632]

Great video, Ryan! Loving these modal topics

[@idomeneogames583]

thank you so much for presenting this useful but typically difficult to understand information in a really well-done manner, your videos are great! keep it up, you just earned a new sub :D

[@tatedraggs7190]

Thanks for another great video! I've learned so much from watching your videos and putting them in to practice! I love these videos about themes; they've helped me tremendously in expressing more complex emotion in music! Just curious, could you make a short video explaining polytonality in more detail? Thank you so much!

[@evilpurplebananas]

Amazing video as always Ryan!

[@georginaadair8438]

Great explanation Thank you for making this so clear

[@sjjdksjdjs2984]

loved the video, thank you! 🧝‍♂️

[@nigelsimmons]

3:41 Funny, when I think Dorian, this theme is the first piece that comes to mind!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci beaucoup. I've only been playing piano for 2 months, and just this week saw a video on modes. So your explanation was interesting and opens up a new world for me.

[@brentonification]

Love these quick snippets. I use them as writing ideas to see what I can come up with, learning about chromatic mediants has really helped in my writing. If you ever do one of these for John Williams, I would love to see the score to ET looked at, I feel it is grossly underappreciated.

[@dahfoothomas2131]

This video has been the most useful to help me understand writing for characters and places. This is most excellent. It helps with getting the feel one is looking for. A terrific explanation.

[@tamsynpace6056]

Fantastic video. I've been playing piano for years but due to circumstances never got very far. So learning these more in depth things about some of the most beautiful music in the word is such a treat!

[@1hotday1]

I'm binge watching Ryan Leach's videos. Awesome resource!

[@barbarapolanski935]

This is a fascinating and informative video, what a great analysis of this music- really interesting 👍

[@gregkurka]

Loved how you explained the ring theme, this is fantastic content thanks!

[@Gusrikh1]

Most interesting and educational. Thank you.

[@tobythehatmusic]

Hey Ryan, just wanted to thank you for ALL your content, I always thumbs up but rarely comment as I’m usually taking a concept or idea you’re giving straight to the piano or score and ending up in my little world. I find if I don’t it just more info, another KZbin rattling around but I Do put it into practice, so once again many Thanks 🙏

[@ChrisMuellerMusic]

The last time - read: yesterday - I watched this video, I enjoyed it so much, I returned to watch it again and to leave a comment to satisfy the algorithm! Oh, and I am going to order that book tomorrow :)

[@MrKeithterrett]

What a discovery Ryan, absolutely adore your videos. I am writing a Requiem for my DMUS, and am learning a lot from you!

[@douglasbroccone3144]

Your videos really help to keep my interest in learning theory Thanks brother

[@StephMH87]

I was literally just looking for your videos on modes.

[@ForgiaG]

Great video, as always!

[@raymondspagnuolo8222]

Very instructive and easy to follow. This will help me create a theme for these various situations in the future. Thank you!

[@raezz1]

Great video. Thank you for your good work.

[@JeanLoupRSmith]

For an in-depth study of the music of the Lord of the Rings, I strongly suggest this series by Barnaby Martin from the Listening In channel: kzbin.info/aero/PLT_X8AVnjkAA7cIU6CsMs0Xn7CGbDUwef

[@bygon432]

His 3 video's about LotR are amazing. I also think Jaime Altozano deserves more credit, though since his videos are in Spanish, they may be harder to get into

[@fix500ml]

That was wonderful, thank you so much!

[@thomaskaasi4225]

Great examples, Ryan! The magic of scales and modes :-)

[@lilpigboy]

Excellent video. Just found your stuff and will leave a good comment for the algorithm's sake. Excited to dive in deeper and explore my chord progressions further.

[@martinlehfeldt6916]

Great video for newer music students to really learn from. Very simple, but great melodies. Easy to remember. Best way to learn.

[@oskarhrankowski]

I suppose that this version of the Fellowship theme starting with D minor chord was used somehere in the movie 🤔 In an action sequence I think

[@carolinethompson376]

Really interesting and inspiring. There is so much more to music than the basic major and minor scales that I was taught.

[@ND3318]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm currently struggling with motifs for a project and this really helped me. All your videos are amazing and super useful so thank you for the good content On a side note, could you tell me what sound libraries you use to make playback or mockups sound more realistic? it would be really helpful as well

[@Ruiner_Meracles]

Ive never watched Lord of the Rings, but the music you showcased makes me wanna watch to hear the music! 😁

[@derrickowen8162]

You won't be disappointed. The music is out of this world.

[@michaeldonaldson9378]

Really awesome video! I always enjoy learning more about my favorite film scores especially something as iconic as LOTR