Although both instruments have solos and carry the main melodies throughout the piece, it is equally noted for Shore's distinctive use of the bodhrán to create a heartbeat-like sound.
[1] Other accompaniment instruments include a celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, musette-type accordion, drones, classical guitars, mandolin, low whistle and recorders.
[3] Also in the piece is a "rural" or "folk" setting or variation, labelled by the musicologist Doug Adams as a separate theme for Hobbiton, played by solo fiddle and various Celtic instruments in accompaniment.
[1][3] The melody is accompanied by several motifs:[1] Also in the piece (about a minute into the track) is a coda that closes a statement of the Hobbiton theme, which coincides with the putting up of Bilbo's "Happy Birthday" sign.
The Hobbit two-step continues in strings, moves into the skip-beat before the orchestra quiets down and the tin whistle returns, book-ending the suite with the Shire theme.