Musical Similarities

Sibelius' Symphony No. 3 & The Fellowship Theme

 

 

Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) is a famous Gregorian Chant that describes the day of judgment and is often sung as part of the Requiem Mass. Many classical and contemporary musicians and composers have used this descending phrase from Dies Irae to represent death, grieving or other morbid themes in their music. It's the first line, "Dies irae, Dies illa" (That day of wrath, that dreadful day), that bears similarities to the Descending Third Motif. more info at Wikipedia.

 

 

Dies Irae

Descending Third Motif

THANKS TO JELLE FOR NOTATION

 

Dies Irae : Gregorian Chant - Brethren of the Holy Trinity Priory of Cracow
Dies Irae : Serpent - Laura Conrad Serpent Solo from Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique - longer audio sample HERE
Dies Irae : Libera - from their own composition, "Dies Irae" - official site HERE
Descending Third Motif - FOTR movie - Bilbo tries to drop the Ring at the door of Bag End

Thanks to Tom Baxter for bringing this similarity to my attention.