World of Soundtracks

In this episode, we look at the iconic Friendship themes between Hiccup and the dragon Toothless throughout the trilogy of films: How To Train Your Dragon by composer John Powell. From their first encounter to becoming best friends, the themes evolve and change as the characters evolve and change. Join host Ruth Mudge as she takes you chronologically through the trilogy with the th

In this episode, we look at the music of the 2022 Netflix film of Persuasion with the music written by British composer Stuart Earl. We explore how it uses romantic melodies tinged with melancholy to express the emotions of the main couple, primarily the main heroine Anne. We also explore how the music spans musical genres from classical to jazz influences to minimalism to a pop so

In this episode, we look at the music of the TV film of Persuasion from 2007/2008 with the music written by British composer Martin Phipps. We explore how Phipps uses minimalism to express the emotions of the characters, primarily the main heroine Anne. Combined with her journal narration, the music tells her romantic journey of a second chance, aiding an introverted character to l

In this episode, we look at the music of Persuasion (1995) written by Jeremy Sams and featuring classical composers J.S. Bach and Frederick Chopin. We explore how Sams wrote s mostly transitional music as well as the concert music while much of the accompaniment of the story is classical music. We also look at how it features primarily solo piano, emphasizing Anne Elliott's instrum

In this episode, Ruth talks to composer Sherri Chung about writing for her dream project "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai" on Max; the joys, the challenges and the nitty gritty aspects in writing for TV; her mentorship and collaborations with Blake Neely, as well as her first soundtrack inspirations and projects to her current new show "Found" on NBC.Award-winning composer Sherri C

In this episode, we look at the music of Mansfield Park (1999) written by Lesley Barber. We explore how the music aids in telling the story of this adaptation in combining elements of the Baroque and classical era with the minimalism in styles reflecting the older Austen story with Rozema's modern view. We also see the juxtaposition of using traditional classical instruments for Au

In this second part of a two-part episode, we look at how Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hopper and Alexandre Desplat pick up the mantle from John Williams to continue the sounds and world of Harry Potter in films 4-8. From folk tunes, to new and unusual instruments, to new places such as the Ministry of Magic, as well as returning ideas from dragons to flying to magic in Hogwarts. Each c

In this first part of a two-part episode, we look at the variety of ways that John Williams creates the musical world of Harry Potter. From school songs to Quidditch, from dragons to goblins, from ghosts to moving staircases, John Williams combines the rich late-romantic orchestral sound with the slightly odd notes resembling 20th century composers such as Stravinsky and Prokofiev

In this episode, we look at the themes for specific characters throughout all 8 Harry Potter films. The first half features Voldermort's motifs as well as the themes for the Death Eaters and Horcruxes connected to Voldemort. The second half focuses on mostly comical or quirky characters who provide a different musical flavor then what is used for Harry and his relationships. This i

In this episode, we look at relationship themes from the Harry Potter series written by composers John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper and Alexander Desplat. We look at musical themes of friendship, allies, mentors, romance, and family, as well as the loss and even death of friends and mentors. We hear the ups and joys as well as the themes of grief and struggle throughout