Finrod's Dilemma 

This takes place in The Silmarillion during the chapter "Of Beren and Lúthien" at the time when Beren is in Nargothrond requesting help from Finrod and for him to fulfil his oath to Beren’s father Barahir. Finrod has to weigh up the two oaths, the Oath of Fëanor and his Oath to Barahir and his descendants. The poem and song were written by Evan Langford with some editing input from Dillon Rodriguez-Currie. Evan recorded the vocals for the song and I (Phillip Menzies) arranged the music and put it all together. The silmarils are at the centre of both oaths and Finrod goes through an internal crisis to come to the decision that his oath to Barahir holds more weight than the Oath of Fëanor. In response he abdicates and passes the crown over to Orodreth. The action takes place in SilmFilm S6 E5.
This is a very intimate piece led with cello for the Oath leitmotif, with the piece primarily played by a stringed quartet (2 x violins, viola and cello) with harp and six vocal lines for the Oath of Fëanor (one part for each living son), before the lead vocals delivered by Evan Langford are sung with feeling. The cello plays a counter melody. The bridge has the full orchestra joining, beginning at very soft volume with a slow crescendo. Vocal ahs build in number and intensity as Finrod’s internal conflict comes to a climax. The bridge has The Oath of Fëanor played on trumpet and the song about the Silmarils representing his oath to Barahir playing alternately as the music intensifies. The building intensity is assisted by the strings starting with contrabasses, followed by cellos, violas, 2nd and finally 1st violins playing Morgoth’s Triad. The string quartet takes up the final verse again and Finrod’s resolve is shown with the final unaccompanied word with reverb. He will not let the world drown.
As always I need to acknowledge the artwork I have used to back the piece. Permission has been sought for all images. They are:
• Finrod by Elena Kukanova at www.deviantart...
• Oath of Fëanor by Jenny Dolfen at goldseven.word...
• Finrod by Jeniserjjj at www.deviantart...
• Finrod by Bella Bergolts at www.deviantart...
• In the Name of the Oath by Steamey at www.deviantart...
• Ring of Barahir by Ominously at www.deviantart...
• The Oath of Felagund by Aautio at www.deviantart...
• Beren at Felagund’s Throne by Aautio at www.deviantart...
• I Remember Each Our Steps by Zstedjas at www.deviantart...
• The Silver Crown of Nargothrond by Romendriel at www.deviantart...