06 February 2015

Bryan Kozlowski on the "Shire Theme"

"For the past three years, one Hobbit film after another has returned us to the magical sights and sounds of Middle-earth. And speaking of sounds, composer Howard Shore, following in his own Oscar-winning footsteps for the score of The Lord of the Rings, has given Bilbo Baggins and company a bold new opus to match their many adventures. But anyone who has now seen (and heard) all six films in the franchise knows there is one familiar melody that keeps on repeating throughout the series.

"Officially known as the 'Shire Theme,' it is a simple and peaceful tune that starts up whenever any hobbit begins to feel nostalgic for his homeland, the Shire. Evocative of rolling green hills and snug little houses, the 'Shire Theme' has become the musical embodiment for all that is good and pleasant in J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world. By resounding just a few of its notes, heroic hobbits and movie-goers alike are instantly transported to another world, a safe and well-ordered one, far from the disorderly battles of reality."

In a recent commentary, writer Bryan Kozlowski reflected on the connection between the "Shire Theme" and "This is My Father's World".

To access his complete post, please visit:

Catholic Pulse: A Hobbit's Hymn: The Spiritual Journey Behind the Song of the Shire (30 JAN 15)

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