As a violinist and composer, I've been completely captivated by the sophisticated, sometimes shocking, musical choices being made across this universe. The use of classical music in such unhinged contexts is absolutely brilliant.
It started with the Season 3 finale of The Boys, where I fell head over heels for Christopher Lennertz's 'I Can Do Anything.' This piece is a virtuoso violin tour-de-force that accompanies the closing sequence. Given the subject matter, the choice of such a technically demanding, classically styled piece was fascinating. I loved it so much, I've actually performed it in concert!
Now, fast-forward to the spin-off, Gen V, and classical music is officially back—and it's never been darker.
This season, a quite brutal scene of intimacy was accompanied by Mozart's Violin Sonata in E minor (K. 304). This is such an unusual and powerful selection. For those unfamiliar, it's not a popular piece, but the history is devastating: Mozart wrote it in Paris directly after the death of his mother, while his father was simultaneously blaming him for her passing and leaving him penniless. Pairing this piece—born of profound grief and abandonment—with the scene doesn't just score it; it elevates it, imbuing the brutality with an unexpected layer of pathos and psychological complexity. It's a masterstroke of subtext.
Later on, we hear Bach during some truly unhinged scenes. Every time I hear Bach in this context, I am immediately reminded of Hannibal Lecter. Given the sheer control, intellect, and refined depravity often associated with Bach's music, I have to believe this connection was entirely intentional—a musical shorthand for refined madness.
Overall, the music supervisors are making incredibly brave and well-played choices. These aren't just background tracks; they are specific, historically loaded pieces being used as powerful commentary.
Has anyone else picked up on these musical threads? What are your thoughts on this resurgence of classical music in modern, dark television?
2 people like this
- For demo purposes only, AI voices is not bad.
Expand comment2. Words or music first? I've never written words before music, it's always either music before words or both words and music together. Even when writing
2. Words or music first? I've never written words before music, it's always either music before words or both words and music together. Even when writing a rap verse, I write it with the rhythm in mind. Now, there are some instances that I've had to change some parts of the melody after I've written the words, but I still don't think that counts as words before music for me.
2 people like this
I’m in the same camp, although I suspect both methods have their advantages.
3 people like this
Yeah, Ville, absolutely they both have their advantages