On a Pale Horse

200px|right On a Pale Horse is a song included in the Halo: Original Soundtrack. It runs for 1 minute and 37 seconds.

The song begins with driving staccato notes from the high strings joined by pizziccato 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, and reverts back to staccato notes this time voiced in the lower register while the higher register plays a slow chords while crescendoing to the end of the song.

It plays during vehicle combat on the levels Assault on the Control Room and Two Betrayals. 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 will 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 On", although this may be a coincidence. "And the Horse You Rode in On" is most likely a referance to Pillar of Autumn, as it is the Horse You Rode in On.