Ramin Djawadi Reveals When He Composed the Game of Thrones Theme
By Ani Bundel
Ramin Djawadi is out promoting his newest endeavor, the Game of Thrones concert series, and reveals when he first composed the now iconic theme.
The Game of Thrones Live Concert experience is only days away from opening night, and tickets are still available in many cities. The brainchild of composer Ramin Djawadi, this live orchestra concert featuring the most iconic compositions from the show, the tour hopes to capitalize on the popularity of the music, while giving fans something to help tide over the extra long wait between seasons.
But like most concert tours, when you get this close to opening night, that means it’s time for people to get out there and do publicity. To that end, Ramin Djawadi spoke to NPR this week on what it takes to compose such iconic pieces like the Game of Thrones opening theme, or the more recent “Light of the Seven” which have been covered hundreds of times by other artists.
Turns out one key element was the “no flutes” rule.
"There was a no-flute rule! Just because, stylistically, it was something that we felt was used in the genre before, and we wanted our score to be different. … So the big instrument that we actually came up with was the cello. It has a big range, it can play really low and high, and it has a dark sound. Game Of Thrones is obviously a dark show, so the cello became the featured instrument."
But the real inspiration is seeing the footage from the show. Djawadi talks extensively in the interview about how he lets the visuals run in the background as he composes, and then tailors what comes out to the actual scenes in question later. And when it comes to that opening theme….
"The main title theme for Game Of Thrones, for example, I was humming in my car after I saw the visuals. As I was driving back to the studio, I had the idea to the theme…. that little melody can just come at any time."
Next: Game of Thrones Season 7: Shadowy Spoilers
The Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience tour opens February 20th in Minneapolis. Check here to find concert dates near you.