Rohan Fanfare - A Rohirric Theme

The Rohan Fanfare

A Theme for Rohan

ROHAN FANFARE, this theme for Rohan, is probably the most predominant theme in the TT. Although it manifests in various sorts of orchestrations, it's most distinctive when played on the Hardanger Fiddle. The first part of this theme is heard most often but it's occasionally followed up by a second part. On this site, I refer to this simply as the Rohan Theme.

Places this theme is heard in TTT:

A slight string variant as Frodo and Sam climb down the Elven Rope in Emyn Muil. (TTT EE)
The first phrase on horn as the Three Hunters climb a hill and see the fields of Rohan before them.
Again horn plays the first phrase as Gandalf with the Three Hunters approach Edoras and get their first glimpse of Meduseld. (The CD version of this scene was played on Hardanger.)
A quick phrase on horn as Gandalf (in v.o.) says, "Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong" and we see Éowyn approach the King to tell of Théodred's injury.
The Hardanger plays the full theme as Éowyn, on the terrace, sees the 3 Hunters and Gandalf ride up and the banner of Rohan rips off its staff and blows off in the wind.
A variant is heard as Gandalf and the Three Hunters ride up the streets of Edoras.
A noble version of the full theme - first on horn, then on Hardanger and horn - is heard as the newly exorcised King Théoden rises from his throne and draws his sword.
A brief variant plays as the order is given to empty the city and evacuate to Helm's Deep.
Hardanger plays a mildly melancholy version, as the people of Edoras begin their evacuation.
The evacuees, led by Éowyn, arrive in Helm's Deep and two children are reunited with their mother.
The theme begins and trails off into uncertainty as the few survivors of the Warg attack stream into Helm's Deep.
We heard a soft version of the second part of the Rohan Theme played over the murmuring of the throng taking refuge in the Glittering Caves. The noise of the crowd quiets to silence and the theme continues while men and boys join (or drafted into) the ranks of the soldiers who will defend the keep.
A sad quick version plays over a cut to the refugees in the cave. Outside the Uruks have arrived and are awaiting the order to attack.
As the Uruks swarm the walls of Helm's Deep, the Rohan Theme gets played on brass over a pounding 5/4 beat.
The Rohan Theme is blended first elements of the Fellowship Theme and the Lothlórien Theme as Théoden calls the order for retreat.
A last heroic version is heard as the Men (and Elf and Dwarf) ride down the causeway of Helm's Deep in a last valiant, but hopeless, charge at the Uruks.
An heroic, noble full version is heard in the credits.

Places this theme is heard in ROTK:

Hardanger plays the theme as those riding with Gandalf and Théoden approach Edoras (after leaving Helm's Deep and Isengard) while Éowyn waits in front of Meduseld.
A rousing version plays as Théoden calls for the Rohirrim to muster after finding the beacon of Amon Anwar is lit.
As Théoden, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas ride into the Rohirrim encampment at Harrowdale and take note of the number of troops that have answered the call. This segment of music features various groups of instruments taking turn with the Rohan Theme and variants of the Rohan Theme... sometimes layered one on top of another... sometimes as a call and response. The multiple versions and 'flavors' of the Rohan Theme mirror well the assortment of Rohirrim riders that have gathered from various areas of Rohan. Each group has it's own 'flavor' of Rohan that combines to make Rohan as a whole. The various instruments and versions of the theme make up the Rohan Theme as a whole. (see note below)
A variant is heard as the Rohirrim break camp at Harrowdale and then a full martial version as they ride off for Gondor.
A spare but brave version is heard as Éomer brings Théoden the scout reports that Minas Tirith is surrounded.
A somber, quiet version plays as the Rohirrim arrive at the edge of the Pelennor Fields. A short time later, as Gothmog reforms the ranks to face the Riders, four plain notes of the theme are played.
An heroic but desperate version on Hardanger, then trumpets, is heard as the Rohirrim ride toward the Orcs on the Fields of the Pelennor.
HS COMMENT
A French horn plays an elegiac version just as Théoden dies.
As the Army of the West rides out from Minas Tirith, a brief statement of first the Gondor and then the Rohan themes play. Doug Adams' writes, "both kingdoms now united." (AS-ROTK)

Howard Shore sees the Rohan Theme to be, in some ways, the central theme for TTT. It "creates a latticework of repeated, interweaving phrases, much like the culture's art and architecture." (Doug Adams, CR-TTT liner notes, page 16) This really makes sense as I imagine the ROTK Harrowdale iteration of the theme and the Viking/Celtic influenced knotwork used in the movie for the Rohirric culture.