Woad to Ruin by Hans Zimmer, Essay Example

This composition was the soundtrack to the epic movie King Arthur. The composition is quite interesting with a huge influence from the setting of movie. The following is a critical analysis of the various aspects of the composition.

Instruments

The composition employs a live ensemble that is fundamentally orchestral however with a mixture of composed music as is the signature of Hans Zimmer. Of note is the jaw harp that is also seen to set the melody of the compositions while at the same time asserting the time within which the movie was set. Also the trombone and the organ are significant on setting the rhythm of the composition.

Sound

The music in this composition is primarily hollow sounding. This is because in most of the part of the composition, there exists parallel melodic lines being sang at the same time. This is mainly depicted at the fifth and octave. This is why the music has a very huge influence from organum kind of music.

Rhythm

The rhythm varies with the different scenes of the movie. The rhythmic modes are reminiscent of Middle Age music. The patters are in long and short periods or rhythm. This is music is predominantly romantic and

Melody

The melody is restricted to the Middle Ages. The melody is plainchant with an accompanying line being sung at fixed intervals. Furthermore, there is a resultant alteration between monophony and polyphony. The melody has a rather free tempo.

Harmony

There is a horizontal aspect to the harmony of the composition. This is because there is a distinct interweaving of the melodic lines and the evident polyphony, this is otherwise known as counterpoint.