The theme of Sauron was hidden in the first season of "The Lord of the Rings" series

Composer Behar McCreary reveals the trick he used
Sauron, whose appearance viewers had been waiting for the entire first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, made an appearance in the finale and, as it turns out, the Dark Lord of Middle-earth was in plain sight the entire time, disguised as Halbrand (Charlie Vickers). Considering that Sauron secretly appeared on screen for seven episodes, the makers of "Rings of Power" weren't shy about emphasizing that he was hidden in plain sight. While most of these hints didn't become apparent until hindsight, one recurring hint was actually turned upside down when Sauron officially paid his respects - "Rings of Power" composer Bear McCreary revealed that the music that accompanied Halbrand's scenes in the first season is actually a reversed version of Sauron's theme.

"One of the funniest moments of the first season for me has to do with the Sauron theme. Spoiler alert: he is introduced as a different character. It turns out he is hinted at, but we also get to know him better before we realize it's him, and that character has a theme too. This character's theme is Sauron's theme in reverse," Bear McCreary explained. - You've heard these tunes before. This duality is already presented, this built-in subconscious trick that I used to sort of indicate to you that Sauron is here. You know him, even if you're not sure you do."

What to expect from Sauron's musical theme in the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?
"Moving on to season two, all I can say is that there are some really great twists there, and the theme of Sauron will continue to evolve," the composer said. - Sauron is a werewolf. Because he changes form to manipulate his surroundings for his own purposes, his music will have to adapt. What I think is really cool is that I've already trained the audience to expect it. I've already prepared the audience. Whether you know it or not, your brain understands that it's a certain form of notes, which itself is a little circle. It's all about that ring. It's the only theme that has that kind of circular repetition. I think next season you'll hear other variations of this that will be pretty cool."