On a Pale Horse
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On a Pale Horse is the nineteenth soundtrack included in the Halo: Original Soundtrack.
Overview
The soundtrack 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 soundtrack, 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 soundtrack.
Appearances
It can be heard:
- In the level Assault on the Control Room at the first bridge, after Cortana replied to the Sergeant of Fireteam Zulu.
- In the level Two Betrayals, when John-117 returns to the twin bridges in Canyon B to find Type-26 Banshees combating the Flood.
Arrangements
The track has been arranged into the following:
- Behold a Pale Horse in the Halo 3: Original Soundtrack.
- Pale Rider in the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary: Original Soundtrack.
Production notes
- 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-117, who will slay the Covenant. Incidentally, the first chapter of the level The Maw is titled "And the Horse You Rode In On", though it is most likely a reference to UNSC Pillar of Autumn.
- The violins bear a reminiscence to Hurry from Oni, an earlier Bungie game which Martin O'Donnell also worked on.
