Jeffrey A. Young
The Lay of Beren and Luthien (2024)
Created by Tolkien years before the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit were written, Beren and Luthien are the central figures to Tolkien’s entire mythology in the Silmarillion. Luthien was a half Maia, half elf, which means she is part demigod; a magical creature and immortal. Tolkien wrote that he was inspired to create her after watching his wife dance in a forest glade. Beren was a human man who falls in love with Luthien. This piece, through soundscapes and leitmotifs seeks to recreate the story in music. Their union produces the line of the twins Elrond and Elros. Because they were half elven and maia they could choose immortality or humankinds ‘gift’, death. Elrond chose life as an elf, and Elros as a human. Elros’s line eventually bears Aragorn and Elrond’s daughter is his love Arwen (separated by many generations of human life).
- The Lay of Beren and Luthien Maxime's Music 15:43