October 8, 2021, 3:52 PM | Updated: October 8, 2021, 4:11 PM
An up-close look at Ramin Djawadi’s rich soundtrack for HBO’s fantasy series, from the soulful theme song to the instrument that takes a starring role.
From the meme of ear-filling opening titles to some full-voiced choral numbers (we’re looking at you, ‘khaleesi’), ramin djawadi’s score for game of thrones is a treasure trove of great melodies and instrumentation.
has won a primetime emmy for outstanding musical composition, two ascap awards and was nominated for a grammy. In fact, it’s so popular that the producers decided to create a Game of Thrones live concert experience, which toured the US, UK, and Canada a few years ago.
With game of thrones prequel house of the dragon slated for release in 2022, here’s everything you need to know about the soundtrack for rampager.
read more: everything you need to know about game of thrones composer ramin djawadi
who made the game of thrones soundtrack?
The music for Game of Thrones was written by German-Iranian composer Ramin Djawadi, who is now best known for his work on the ambitious franchise.
Elsewhere, djawadi’s notable contributions to the world of film and television music include Westworld, Iron Man, and the upcoming Marvel film Eternals.
born in west germany, djawadi later moved to the united states to study music and, after graduating with honors from the great berklee college of music, was discovered and mentored by the great hans zimmer.
With previous songwriting credits for Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) and The Island (2005), djawadi notes that his fusion of ethnic, Middle Eastern and romantic influences is what drew the Game of Thrones crew to him.
what is the name of the game of thrones theme?
the title theme is simply called the “game of thrones theme” but is also known as the “main titles” on game of thrones soundtrack albums.
The opening credits of game of thrones are the most famous piece of music in the series, but ramin djawadi has written the music for all eight seasons, including the next one.
In addition to the main theme, different individual themes have been created for some of the main characters and houses.
read more: the game of thrones theme played on contrabass flute is disturbing and monumental
djawadi’s soulful score is dominated by the main title theme. djawadi said that he was inspired to write the iconic melody after seeing an earlier version of the series’ computer-generated title sequence.
The riff, seen below, is repeated in various forms throughout each season’s episodes.
what instrument is used in the game of thrones soundtrack?
When the producers approached djawadi about composing the score, they told him to avoid flutes and violins which, in his words, are “overused” in fantasy soundtracks.
so he decided to lead the fantasy theme with a cello.
“It can be very dark and moody, but also beautiful and emotional at the same time,” says djawadi, “and it’s perfect for the show. because it’s such a dark show. obviously, because all these families have their problems.”
cover versions and skits
Like all great music, the Game of Thrones theme has inspired many tributes and covers, including a cello-only version by 2cellos and a chamber version by classic Australian pop group aston.
It was also first given lyrics in 2014, when ‘weird al’ yankovic performed a parody version at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
here is a particularly beautiful reinvention of the theme, composed by pianist edoardo brotto in the style of rachmaninov:
the house of the dragon will be released on January 1, 2022.