This is a battle between two scores meant to signify the thought of impending doom. The combatants are “The Black Gate Opens” from the record-breaking movie: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” and “Statues,” from the grand finale of the stellar Harry Potter series.
“The Black Gate Opens” is a great piece. It opens with a strings background, also, in the forefront, there’s a trumpet swell. It then moves to a high point with a full orchestra. Afterwords, an insanely well-written reprise of the theme from “In Dreams” ensues, played on a piccolo. There is also a reprise of the theme from “Into the West” and “The Fellowship.” This piece well signifies what one would think about when knowing you’re about to die; you might reflect upon things like home and such. These themes that are played signify this very well, making this one of Howard Shore’s great pieces.
“Statues, on the other hand, is a piece from a more recent movie, and so its style is much different. Composed by Alexandre Desplat, “Statues” uses a snarelike drum in the background while using a strings melody, which later becomes a harmony to subsequent and prevailing French Horn and Violin parts. A great example of how to put melodies together. It also features a great interlude and an awesome ending.
The question now is, which of these two excellent pieces are better?
The Winner is…
THE BLACK GATE OPENS!!!!!!!!!
The reprises of themes of home give you a great emotional ride through the piece. It is really a great piece, and is well deserving of the win.