Blackbeard

Blackbeard is a musical theme composed by Hans Zimmer

for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. It

appeared as a track on the film's soundtrack.

The three new themes for Blackbeard and the Queen

Anne's Revenge, as they are heard in "Blackbeard"

The track consists of almost entirely new music, split

into three parts. The first is an exposition of his new

themes, followed by an action variation of the Queen

Anne's Revenge. The second is a jolly skipping arpeggio

on the bass instruments with hints of the opening of

"On Stranger Tides" suite, followed tragic re-

orchestration of Blackbeard's theme for his demise. The

final section is another variation of the Queen Anne's

Revenge theme before restating the three note

descending figure from the end of "A Family Affair".

The track can be split into three "strains". The first

strain begins with a descending chromatic passage while

the chords alternate between I and V diminished (this

is technically a very minor motif for the character,

and is heard again in the track "Ignorance Is Bliss "

from the expended score). There is then a six note

pedal figure which is a minor motif for Blackbeard and

the Queen Anne's Revenge. The track then moves into

Blackbeard's main theme, which is stated three times,

accompanied with syncopated chords in the bass. This is

followed by a return of the six note figure, repeated

four times (each with the third of the chord missing,

giving it a medieval sound). The strain is ended with

two repeats of the Queen Anne's Revenge theme,

underscored with two sets of sixthlets per bar, and

then a final loud statement of the six note figure.

The second strain begins with skipping cello arpeggios,

with subtle hints of "On Stranger Tides". There are

then several incomplete renditions of Blackbeard's

theme, modulating through various different keys.

The third and final strain features a driving ostinato

rhythm in the bass, alternating between D and Ab, and

overlayed by a variation on the Queen Anne's Revenge

theme, and finishes with a solemn statements of the

final seconds of "A Family Affair".

The first strain marks Blackbeard's first appearance in

On Stranger Tides. The powerful statement of the Queen

Anne's Revenge theme can be heard when Blackbeard hangs

the mutineers. The second strain plays during

Blackbeard's death, where he realizes he has been

tricked into sacrificing himself before being consumed

by the Fountain. The the third strain accompanies the

Cook's punishment by the Greek fire cannons.

The track appears to be arranged in concert suite

format (similar to "The Kraken"), however it is

actually a compilation of music from three scenes from

the film.

The music is not in chronological order; the third

strain should be in between the first and the second.

The official piano transcription is slightly different

to the version heard on the soundtrack.

The version on the demo score features the three

strains as separate tracks: "Blackbeard", "Blackbeard's

Demise" and "Fry The Cook", respectively.

"Blackbeard" was one of the few tracks to use

synthesizers, as Zimmer wanted a more "organic" feel

for the fourth score.