The Faceoff

The Faceoff 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 complete soundtrack.

Track Description


The track opens with an ominous drum beat, which is soon joined by an ostinato pattern. Above this an augmented version of Barbossa's adapted theme plays, accompanied by the British three note figure. This is stopped by Blackbeard's six-note pedal figure, followed by a hint at the "On Stranger Tides" theme. A less assertive version of Barbossa's theme is heard, this time interrupted by a powerful and threatening statement of the theme from "Queen Anne's Revenge". The track finished with Blackbeard's theme (overlaying his six-note figure), which pauses on the dissonant Ab.

The track plays as Hector Barbossa and Blackbeard confront each other at teh Fountain of Youth.

Trivia

 * This is the last time Barbossa's new adapted theme from "Lord Cutler Beckett" is heard.
 * This track is essentially a musical confrontation between Barbossa and Blackbeard's themes.
 * There is a prominence of electronic instruments, particularly towards the end where Blackbeard's themes become dominant.

Appearances

 * Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides