The Ainulindale is, in my opinion, the single most beautiful piece in all of Tolkien's writing. There is mystical theology in there to dwell on for a lifetime. I've written one short piece of my own on it, but it's so incredibly deep, I don't know I'll ever exhaust it. The implications it has for the music of the Christian liturgy are fascinating, especially given the idea that the Christian liturgy is a participation in the creative redemptive work of God where our music is united with His Word, culminating in the mystery of the Eucharist.
The Ainulindale is certainly Tolkien's most elevated and mystical written work. To pre-modern Christians, it would not be so unusual, since Creation (both as an event and an entity) was always treated in musical terms throughout history until science "disproved" it. Tolkien essentially revived this classic vision through the Creation story of the Elves.
Awesome piece. Worth mentioning, while not Tolkien, it’s so fitting that the greatest soundtrack ever made is Howard Shore’s score for the Lord of the Rings movies
Thanks! Alongside Weta Workshop's incredible outpouring of hand-made costumes and props, I think Howard Shore's score is what makes the films the greatest trilogy in history (and Fellowship the greatest single film). John Williams would give some competition to it being the best soundtrack ever, but you would definitely have many who would agree with you, possibly myself included.
The Ainulindale is, in my opinion, the single most beautiful piece in all of Tolkien's writing. There is mystical theology in there to dwell on for a lifetime. I've written one short piece of my own on it, but it's so incredibly deep, I don't know I'll ever exhaust it. The implications it has for the music of the Christian liturgy are fascinating, especially given the idea that the Christian liturgy is a participation in the creative redemptive work of God where our music is united with His Word, culminating in the mystery of the Eucharist.
The Ainulindale is certainly Tolkien's most elevated and mystical written work. To pre-modern Christians, it would not be so unusual, since Creation (both as an event and an entity) was always treated in musical terms throughout history until science "disproved" it. Tolkien essentially revived this classic vision through the Creation story of the Elves.
Awesome piece. Worth mentioning, while not Tolkien, it’s so fitting that the greatest soundtrack ever made is Howard Shore’s score for the Lord of the Rings movies
Thanks! Alongside Weta Workshop's incredible outpouring of hand-made costumes and props, I think Howard Shore's score is what makes the films the greatest trilogy in history (and Fellowship the greatest single film). John Williams would give some competition to it being the best soundtrack ever, but you would definitely have many who would agree with you, possibly myself included.
Howard Shore's magnum opus