Elven Music - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Morgul Queen · 05-02-2003, 06:04 AM

When you read the parts in the book that describes the music of the Elves, What comes to you mind?

The singing of the Maori women always inserts itself in my mind because it is so haunting and high-pitched and feels like it comes from the land itself, while at the same time absorbing you in its intensity and richness, pulling you into the melody and abruptly bringing you back into your body witha sudden burst of strenght from the men in the back springing forth with a Haka that loses you in its layered hohonutanga.
(and there we go with the patriotism again)
Anyone who has seen a truly amazing Performance knows exactly what I mean.

Kupe te Tangata...
he whanau ki te hi ika...
E kaore nei e mau,
e kaore nei...e mau...
Te whakaro me huri ki te Tohunga...
(nga muturangi te hoariri,
nga muturangi te hoa riri)
*Chant*
Whaia te waka nei matawha-o-rua a tawirirangi, Aue...Aue...
Whakawhiti atu raukoa moana...
i reira kia tanu mea...
Ko Hine-aparangi tonu hoa,
na nga nei e tapa Aotearoa!

Tarien Ithil · 05-07-2003, 11:38 AM

Good day Morgul Queen!
What you said was interesting - what comes into my mind when the books describe Elven music is soft, melodious tunes, with lyres, harps, flutes, bells...that sort of thing! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Annúnlótëiel · 05-07-2003, 12:30 PM

Well, before Howard Shore's beautiful music influenced I imagined it basically very melodius and celtic like. I do not know exactly how to explain it but, I imagined it as beuticul flowing voices in which I could not understand what was being said, yet I knew somehow...It also depened whether or not the song was supposed to be sad or happy.

Strange...

Yavanna228 · 05-09-2003, 12:42 PM

When I read the books and elven music is mentioned, I also get a sense of some sort of Celtic-type music. Perhaps it's because I am an avid fan of the genre...but the choral group Anúna basically embodies what I imagine elven singing to be like, very other-wordly, with complex harmony and pure tones. I suppose that since the Celts were a people with an almost mythical connatation, that's why I associate their music with the elves, so vibrant and full of life, but with an underlying sorrow and yearning that can bring a tear to your eye and a longing to your heart. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
Peace

Aule · 05-10-2003, 12:51 PM

Howard Shore came pretty close to what i thought Elvish singing would be like. Not exactly cause that would just be freaky.
Its very haunting and could actually (dare i say it) mkae me feel emotional

Elfchick7 · 05-14-2003, 08:57 PM

pictured it a lot like Aniron (The theme for Arwen and Argorn) and The Lament For Gandalf. As well as the Lorien Theme.

Tinuviel the Nightingale · 05-15-2003, 03:33 AM

I love Howard Shore's interpretation of elves singing, he got it just right. My favourite tracks on the TTT soundtrack are "The Leave Taking" and "Lament for Haldir".
The singing on it (and pardon the confusing descriptions) makes me feel sort of shivery and gives me a tingly feeling in my heart. The voices sound silvery and you can just imagine the singer dancing in the moonlight. *Sigh*...

05-15-2003, 04:21 AM

I think Howard Shore did a great job with the music for LotR. I'm currently in the middle of reading TTT again, and I can really hear the music, through the book almost. Does anyone else find this? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Tinuviel the Nightingale · 05-15-2003, 04:43 AM

Yep, every time I read it, each time the music just gets stronger.

Annúnlótëiel · 05-15-2003, 02:17 PM

I agree SHore's elven music is beautiful and rather haunting almost.
I would do think some elven songs are more what in the music world we say "allegro"
A bit more positive, I just think this becuase of the way elves sing at the begining in the Hobbit.

Does that make sense to anyone??

Sillabub · 05-17-2003, 10:58 AM

Enya. Definately Enya.

Lalaith · 05-18-2003, 04:30 PM

I would recommend, to anyone who wants to get into a Middle Earth mood, Vaughn Williams' Lark Ascending.

Yavanna228 · 05-18-2003, 06:50 PM

The folk duo Brobdingnagian Bards have some tributes to Tolkien and interpretations of elven music on their site at mp3.com.
Peace

Tarien Ithil · 05-21-2003, 12:12 PM

Yea, Enya's beautful but Howard Shore's 'Rohan' piece was quite celtic, with all the violins. Probably he had that idea too! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

Eldawen of Lorien · 05-26-2003, 12:02 PM

I always get the impression that elven music would be Celtic like. It seems like it has a soft, melodious sound, sorta like pure silver, and a touch of saddness. It would also have quiet a bit of harp music with some flute, strings, and soft drums.

Elvenglass · 05-26-2003, 04:18 PM

I definately agree with the whole Celtic thing and Enya also. Her voice is the kind of voice that just blends with everything...getting shivers just thinking about it. I always pictures Elvish music with lots of singing...almost ethereal, y'know? Howard shore definately did a good job. Especially with Aniron. Gonna go listen to it right now!

Finwe · 05-26-2003, 06:07 PM

I think that Howard Shore and Enya read my mind when it came to what Elvish music sounded like. Enya's voice is so inherently Celtic and Elvish, that it sooths me just to listen to her "May It Be." Howard Shore's music is exactly what I thought Elvish music was like, especially in the scene from the FotR Extended DVD where the Elves are traveling to the Grey Havens. They are singing the Sindarin translation of "Snow-white, Snow-white, O Lady Clear!" Their voices are so enchanting that I become lost just listening to them.

Tarien Ithil · 05-31-2003, 01:28 AM

Yes, Howard Shore and Enya worked very well. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

In May It Be, I thought Enya was singing Gaelic but then I later found that she was speaking Elvish! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] It does sound rather like Gaelic. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Did you know that Tolkien based Elvish on a certain form of Finnish? Just a trivial factoid...... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

05-02-2003, 06:04 AM	#1
Morgul Queen Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dontgonearthe Castle Posts: 414	Elven Music When you read the parts in the book that describes the music of the Elves, What comes to you mind? The singing of the Maori women always inserts itself in my mind because it is so haunting and high-pitched and feels like it comes from the land itself, while at the same time absorbing you in its intensity and richness, pulling you into the melody and abruptly bringing you back into your body witha sudden burst of strenght from the men in the back springing forth with a Haka that loses you in its layered hohonutanga. (and there we go with the patriotism again) Anyone who has seen a truly amazing Performance knows exactly what I mean. Kupe te Tangata... he whanau ki te hi ika... E kaore nei e mau, e kaore nei...e mau... Te whakaro me huri ki te Tohunga... (nga muturangi te hoariri, nga muturangi te hoa riri) Chant Whaia te waka nei matawha-o-rua a tawirirangi, Aue...Aue... Whakawhiti atu raukoa moana... i reira kia tanu mea... Ko Hine-aparangi tonu hoa, na nga nei e tapa Aotearoa! __________________ Athrabeth is still doing the wave for Boromir the Disco-King Oh...and call me Morgy!

05-07-2003, 11:38 AM	#2
Tarien Ithil Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: In the Shade of a Tree Posts: 253	Good day Morgul Queen! What you said was interesting - what comes into my mind when the books describe Elven music is soft, melodious tunes, with lyres, harps, flutes, bells...that sort of thing! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ “The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and those who are going to read them.” – Sunday Times Crickhollow

05-07-2003, 12:30 PM	#3
Annúnlótëiel Animated Skeleton Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: USA (But I am Argentine!) Posts: 31	Well, before Howard Shore's beautiful music influenced I imagined it basically very melodius and celtic like. I do not know exactly how to explain it but, I imagined it as beuticul flowing voices in which I could not understand what was being said, yet I knew somehow...It also depened whether or not the song was supposed to be sad or happy. Strange... __________________ ~~Annúnlótëiel~~ sigo mi corazón

05-09-2003, 12:42 PM	#4
Yavanna228 Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: on the wings of the morning Posts: 394	When I read the books and elven music is mentioned, I also get a sense of some sort of Celtic-type music. Perhaps it's because I am an avid fan of the genre...but the choral group Anúna basically embodies what I imagine elven singing to be like, very other-wordly, with complex harmony and pure tones. I suppose that since the Celts were a people with an almost mythical connatation, that's why I associate their music with the elves, so vibrant and full of life, but with an underlying sorrow and yearning that can bring a tear to your eye and a longing to your heart. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Peace __________________ 'Dulaman na Binne Bui, Dulaman Gaelach/ Dulaman na farraige, 's e b'fhearr a bhi in Eirinn!'

05-10-2003, 12:51 PM	#5
Aule Wight Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hammering away in Valinor Posts: 126	Howard Shore came pretty close to what i thought Elvish singing would be like. Not exactly cause that would just be freaky. Its very haunting and could actually (dare i say it) mkae me feel emotional __________________ For him that is pitiless, the deeds of pity are ever strange and beyond reckoning - of Melkor before his final downfall

05-14-2003, 08:57 PM	#6
Elfchick7 Wight Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: In the Greenwood Posts: 201	pictured it a lot like Aniron (The theme for Arwen and Argorn) and The Lament For Gandalf. As well as the Lorien Theme. __________________ "Yesterday is history. Tommorow is a mystery. Today is a gift from God. That's why it's called the PRESENT!"

05-15-2003, 03:33 AM	#7
Tinuviel the Nightingale Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Splashing around in Galadriel's Mirror Posts: 299	I love Howard Shore's interpretation of elves singing, he got it just right. My favourite tracks on the TTT soundtrack are "The Leave Taking" and "Lament for Haldir". The singing on it (and pardon the confusing descriptions) makes me feel sort of shivery and gives me a tingly feeling in my heart. The voices sound silvery and you can just imagine the singer dancing in the moonlight. Sigh... __________________ I am no longer Saruman the White... I am Saruman THE BRINGER OF ALL THINGS FLUFFY AND SPECIAL! Join Legends of Middle Earth!

05-15-2003, 04:21 AM	#8
Mirendabeth Guest Posts: n/a	I think Howard Shore did a great job with the music for LotR. I'm currently in the middle of reading TTT again, and I can really hear the music, through the book almost. Does anyone else find this? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

05-15-2003, 04:43 AM	#9
Tinuviel the Nightingale Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Splashing around in Galadriel's Mirror Posts: 299	Yep, every time I read it, each time the music just gets stronger. __________________ I am no longer Saruman the White... I am Saruman THE BRINGER OF ALL THINGS FLUFFY AND SPECIAL! Join Legends of Middle Earth!

05-15-2003, 02:17 PM	#10
Annúnlótëiel Animated Skeleton Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: USA (But I am Argentine!) Posts: 31	I agree SHore's elven music is beautiful and rather haunting almost. I would do think some elven songs are more what in the music world we say "allegro" A bit more positive, I just think this becuase of the way elves sing at the begining in the Hobbit. Does that make sense to anyone?? __________________ ~~Annúnlótëiel~~ sigo mi corazón

05-17-2003, 10:58 AM	#11
Sillabub Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: GONDOR!! Posts: 138	Enya. Definately Enya. __________________ They were holding umbrellas. Not just any umbrellas- BLACK umbrellas. Not just ANY black umbrellas- these were...(knuckle-biting time) the BLACK UMBRELLAS OF DEATH!!!!! cue sinister music

05-18-2003, 04:30 PM	#12
Lalaith Blithe Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,779	I would recommend, to anyone who wants to get into a Middle Earth mood, Vaughn Williams' Lark Ascending. __________________ Out went the candle, and we were left darkling

05-18-2003, 06:50 PM	#13
Yavanna228 Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: on the wings of the morning Posts: 394	The folk duo Brobdingnagian Bards have some tributes to Tolkien and interpretations of elven music on their site at mp3.com. Peace __________________ 'Dulaman na Binne Bui, Dulaman Gaelach/ Dulaman na farraige, 's e b'fhearr a bhi in Eirinn!'

05-21-2003, 12:12 PM	#14
Tarien Ithil Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: In the Shade of a Tree Posts: 253	Yea, Enya's beautful but Howard Shore's 'Rohan' piece was quite celtic, with all the violins. Probably he had that idea too! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] __________________ “The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and those who are going to read them.” – Sunday Times Crickhollow

05-26-2003, 12:02 PM	#15
Eldawen of Lorien Pile O'Bones Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lothlorien Posts: 24	I always get the impression that elven music would be Celtic like. It seems like it has a soft, melodious sound, sorta like pure silver, and a touch of saddness. It would also have quiet a bit of harp music with some flute, strings, and soft drums.

05-26-2003, 04:18 PM	#16
Elvenglass Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 55	I definately agree with the whole Celtic thing and Enya also. Her voice is the kind of voice that just blends with everything...getting shivers just thinking about it. I always pictures Elvish music with lots of singing...almost ethereal, y'know? Howard shore definately did a good job. Especially with Aniron. Gonna go listen to it right now! __________________ Cormamin lindua ele lle Elen sila lumenn omentielvo

05-26-2003, 06:07 PM	#17
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	I think that Howard Shore and Enya read my mind when it came to what Elvish music sounded like. Enya's voice is so inherently Celtic and Elvish, that it sooths me just to listen to her "May It Be." Howard Shore's music is exactly what I thought Elvish music was like, especially in the scene from the FotR Extended DVD where the Elves are traveling to the Grey Havens. They are singing the Sindarin translation of "Snow-white, Snow-white, O Lady Clear!" Their voices are so enchanting that I become lost just listening to them. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

05-31-2003, 01:28 AM	#18
Tarien Ithil Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: In the Shade of a Tree Posts: 253	Yes, Howard Shore and Enya worked very well. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] In May It Be, I thought Enya was singing Gaelic but then I later found that she was speaking Elvish! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] It does sound rather like Gaelic. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Did you know that Tolkien based Elvish on a certain form of Finnish? Just a trivial factoid...... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] __________________ “The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and those who are going to read them.” – Sunday Times Crickhollow