Remember when the most recognizable music from a TV series was the over-the-top theme song that would play during the opening credits? Back then, you could hum along to the music as you prepared to watch your favorite TV show. But TV has changed in the last decade and now the music featured in a series is just as impressive and important as what you might hear in a feature film. And in the case of HBO’s acclaimed drama “Succession,” the music is every bit as beautiful and effective as any feature score thanks to the work of Nicholas Britell.
In honor of HBO’s upcoming second season of the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated series coming later this summer, we’re proud to offer our readers a chance to hear two incredible tracks from the Season 1 soundtrack which will be available next week. The release will feature the track that earned Britell an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme.
As mentioned, the music for “Succession” comes from none other than Britell. And if you’re a film score nerd like me, you probably know the two-time Oscar-nominated composer best from his previous work on projects like “Moonlight,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “The Big Short,” and “Vice.” It’s those latter two films that are likely what led to him composing the score for “Succession,” as filmmaker Adam McKay is involved in the creation and production of the HBO series.
For those not familiar with “Succession,” the HBO drama follows the family of a media mogul, as they attempt to keep their empire afloat, while also jockeying for position to run the company (and thus the family) when the patriarch moves on. The series stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Hiam Abbass, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Alan Ruck.
“Succession” returns for Season 2 on Sunday, August 11, while Milan Records will release the soundtrack to Season 1 on August 9. You can hear the exclusive tracks below.
Here’s a synopsis for the series:
Beginning where season one dramatically left off, season two follows the Roy family as they struggle to retain control of their empire, and while the future looks increasingly uncertain, it is the past that threatens to ultimately destroy them
Andante Con Moto – Strings in E-flat Minor
A Piacere (Orchestral Variation)
TRACKLIST
1. Succession (Main Title Theme)
2. Adagio in C Minor
3. Minuet in B Minor
4. Andante in C Minor
5. Strings Con Fuoco
6. Clarinets and Strings
7. Serenade in E-Flat Major
8. Bell Atmospheres
9. Waystar Royco Corporate Identity – “Feel It!”
10. Strings + 808 + Beat
11. Theme Variation – Piano, Orchestra, 808
12. Allegro in C Minor
13. Dark Minuet
14. Andante Con Moto – Strings in E-flat Minor
15. Andante in C Minor – Solo Piano
16. Succession – End Title Theme – Strings and Winds Variation
17. Andantino for Brass and Orchestra in B Minor
18. A Piacere – Orchestra
19. Bell and Pizzicato Fantasia
20. Power (Instrumental)
21. Succession – End Title Theme – Brass Quintet Variation
22. Mysterium – Strings
23. Austerlitz – Allegro Moderato
24. Austerlitz – Allegretto
25. Million Dollar Home Run
26. Succession – End Title Theme – Piano and Cello Variation