Chapter 7: Of Music
Sometimes words alone cannot fully express thoughts and emotions. Sometimes a truer expression is found in music, which transcends mere words and taps deep into the Secret Fire which is within each of us. For music is the language of Iluvitar, and of creation. Music is also the language of destruction and renewal, which is also part of Iluvitar's eternal plan as sung by the Valar. Each race knows this, as each race has found its own expression in music.
I am not particularly skilled in music, but my friend, Gimli of the Dwarves, is an accomplished musician. His harping is wonderful. Some might laugh at the thought of a dwarf of such fighting renown making sweet music upon golden harpstrings. Yet such is the case. Dwarves are quite musical, in their own way.
I have learned that music can express the inmost thoughts of the player, even when words are not present. Only the music of Durin's Folk can thrill me to their thoughts: the love of gold and jewels; secret places and treasures buried in the deep; of fine craftsmanship and cunning minds; of the strength and hardness of stone; of love of family and kin kept secret from the world above.
In my father's courts were musicians of such skill as could persuade the birds of the forest and meadow to start from their nests and gather round in silent astonishment. Crystalline melodies evoking the stellar voice of Varda herself, upon the creation of the stars. Luminous strands of glowing verdant harmonies detailing the love of Yavanna for that which flowers and grows. Combinations upon the lute and flute and viols which make one's heart sing and soar upon eagle's wings above the jagged blue ice-teeth of Kortirion. Dusky lays for voices in unison and polyphony telling twilight tales of Luthien and how her love-music conquered even Morgoth upon his iron throne.
I have heard the battle calls of men upon the broad planes of Pellenor. The race of Men favor trumpet and horn, kettle drums and braying krumhorns, during the thick of battle. Music stirs their hearts to rejoice in blood-lust. Yet I have also heard the grandest of epic poetry and most tender love-lays sung in the courts of the King. Celebrated with the most glorious mixed-voice choruses from Dol Amroth and the finest strings and winds from Ithilien. Mankind lives in the now, and this is reflected in their music. What so is new-composed; what so is fresh and unknown to the ancients; this is what excites the race of men. They constantly make new music as they work, play, relax and make war.
Even hobbits share the universal joy of music. Strange, primitive and unrefined to elfin ears, yet intrinsically and totally appropriate for that diminutive race. Strong in rhythm and good for dancing, drinking and laughing – activities to which halflings naturally excel. Drum and pipe, bagpipe and dumbac, recorder and fiddle. Simple rhyming songs of slight and sometimes silly matters, bringing delight and comfort to a people who celebrate the common-place and well-remembered. Master Bilbo Baggins, Master Samwise Gamgee, and even the Ringbearer, Frodo Baggins, all composed songs which are well-known among their own people, and sometimes in the courts of the Wise. For great truths are often evident in the most simple of melodies.
Some will claim they have no talent for music. I think otherwise. There are always ways one can participate in the creation of music. For some is given the gift of lovely voice. To others, the ability to play instruments most wonderfully. To others, dance and movement; clapping and stomping. And to others is given the gift of listening and enjoying. All are part of the music of Middle Earth. For music is best understood when there are both performers and listeners. Each bring their own gifts to the music.
So let each of us sing and play the music of Middle Earth, to the best of our abilities.