5. The Steward of Gondor (3:53)

After our grand introduction to the last citadel of man, the action likely turns to Gandalf and Pippin as they seek and audience with Denethor, the surly Steward of Gondor and father to both Faramir and the late Boromir. The faintly rolling drums of war are here again, backing at first a staid reading of the Gondor theme, then a soaring string passage.

Then, a surprising solo vocal takes center stage. Billy Boyd (as Pippin) sings a pretty, folkish tune regarding his apprehension about the situation he has found himself in. As mentioned before, it is these strange and adventurous musical choices that really begins to set the CD for Return of the King apart from the previous two Rings score releases.