Rock and Ice
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
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Rock and Ice is the fifth track of the Halo 5: Guardians Original Soundtrack. It carries the 117 motif from the Halo 4: Original Soundtrack'
Overview[edit]
Begins with an almost hauntingly beautiful, isolated yet spacious feeling, slightly dissonant, sustained strings emerge, playing a simple, yet evocative two-note melody, borrowed from Space Theme of the Opening Suite. The melody is played again, for a second time, with little to no difference, still Largo, still with a touch of coldness and isolation. The synth pad significantly enhances the atmosphere, providing an ethereal, 'icy' quality.
Cutting through the few seconds of silence is a solo cello, almost mournful, personal, and melancholic, bringing a recognisable melody; the first section of the Master Chief's motif from 117, sounding akin to Wreckage, while upper strings continue to elevate the cello by supporting the atmosphere alongside synth.
The orchestra thickens as the full string section emerges; high strings take centre stage, cello cutting through them—creating a soaring, lush and expansive melody, one that is much louder—a stark contrast to the mournful and personal cello, almost like a glimmer of hope—a galaxy that is expansive, one that is not confined to a single individual—hinting at something grand to come.
Brass emerges with the support of sustained strings as the lush melody resolves—French horns open with a warm, swelling undercurrent, the beginning of the gradual evolution into a more heroic fanfare. The second part of the 117 motif returns, now more heroic and bold yet still personal; a fanfare by soaring brass ascends the melody, giving it an almost evocative 'midnight' feel, enhanced by strings that later become prominent.
A single dissonant piano note hits, leading to the climax; brass and strings soaring in unison, a two-note legato, ascending to a sustained fortissimo as majestic timpani rolls enter alongside a final clash of the cymbals at the peak—resolving everything on a high note, the echo of the cymbals leading to pure silence—solidifying the purely epic and heroic ending, almost like a powerful statement of resilience and ultimate victory.
Composition[edit]
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Arrangements[edit]
Appearences[edit]
- In the main menu of Halo 5: Guardians.
- Plays during the first cutscene of the Halo 5: Guardians level, Blue Team.
