On a Pale Horse

On a Pale Horse is a song included in the Halo: Original Soundtrack.

Appearances

It plays during vehicle combat on the levels Assault on the Control Room and Two Betrayals.

Overview

The song begins with driving staccato notes from the high strings joined by pizzicato from the low strings in what can be guessed is an alternating time signature between 6/4 and 4/4 time. At various times, sections of the high strings voice themes and variations on the "monk chant", eventually developing a unique melody. At about a minute into the song, the strings start a sort of "call - answer" theme again divided by low and high strings, then reverts to the staccato theme this time voiced in the lower register while the higher register plays slow chords while they crescendo to the end of the song.

Other Appearances

This piece forms the base for the Halo 3: Original Soundtrack song Behold a Pale Horse which is played on The Ark.

Trivia

• The name "On a Pale Horse" seems to be a reference to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in the book of Revelation; specifically, it refers to the fourth horseman, who'll ride in on a pale horse, and represents death. It is probable that this fourth horseman is meant to be John, who will slay the Covenant. Interestingly, the first part of the level the Maw is called "And the Horse You Rode In On", although this may be a coincidence. "And the Horse You Rode In On" is most likely a reference to Pillar of Autumn.