Crafting the soundscape of ‘Shōgun’: A journey through music and history
The inception of a musical odyssey
What began as a simple email from a friend turned into a nearly two-year-long collaboration for composer Leopold Ross. The project? Scoring the historical drama series Shōgun. This endeavor saw Ross working alongside composer Nick Chuba, his brother Atticus Ross, and arranger/composer Taro Ishida.
A tale of cultural collision
Set in the early 1600s, Shōgun is based on James Clavell’s novel and follows the journey of John Blackthorne, an English navigator shipwrecked in Japan. Blackthorne finds himself entangled in the intricate political and cultural landscape of the country, navigating power struggles between feudal lords, particularly the ambitious daimyo, Lord Toranaga. The series features a stellar cast, including Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne, and Anna Sawai as Lady Mariko.
Building the musical foundation
One of the earliest ideas for the theme involved Chuba playing the nose flute, an instrument that showrunner Justin Marks felt was evocative of the world of Shōgun. This initial concept laid the groundwork for a theme that would encapsulate the epic scale of the series’ visuals.
Ross elaborated, “It became a case of building from here and turning this into a theme that encapsulated the world of Shōgun and matched the kind of epic scale of the visuals.”
The evolution of the score
After introducing the nose flute, Ross suggested incorporating the shakuhachi, a bamboo flute known for its rich lower register. However, it was the introduction of the hichiriki, a small, raspy reed instrument, that truly elevated the score.
“The hichiriki is a very small, raspy reed instrument that really became one of the signature sounds of the show because of the way that it reacted with our processing. It’s put into this indescribable world where it’s not ancient, and it’s not modern, and it’s not Eastern, and it’s not Western; it’s just existing between the lines,” Ross explained.
Bridging the cacophony with serenity
As the instruments began to swell, forming a cacophonous sound, Ross sought a way to ground the music and bridge it with a gentler tone. This is where Buddhist monks came into play. Ross and his team were permitted to record monks performing at a festival at their temple, using one of the phrases in the recording to transition from beauty to brutality.
A reflection on the journey
Upon seeing the completed work, Ross felt an immense sense of pride. “I felt immensely proud watching the series back and connected on such a wide level. We thought it would be like a niche art piece, you know what I mean? We weren’t expecting it to turn into this monster,” he said. “It’s just an honor to be involved in a project where the level of craftsmanship across the whole production is at such a high bar, and it pushed us because we wanted to be at that bar. It’s just a humbling and amazing feeling.”
Final thoughts
The journey of creating the score for Shōgun was not just about composing music; it was about crafting a soundscape that resonated with the historical and cultural essence of the series. The collaboration between Ross, Chuba, Atticus Ross, and Taro Ishida resulted in a musical masterpiece that transcends time and place, much like the story of John Blackthorne himself.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the world of Shōgun, you can watch the trailer here.
Additional insights for music enthusiasts
For those who appreciate the intricate details of musical composition, the journey of creating the score for Shōgun offers a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative process. The use of traditional instruments like the nose flute, shakuhachi, and hichiriki, combined with modern processing techniques, creates a unique sound that bridges the ancient and the contemporary.
The inclusion of Buddhist monks’ chants adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the score, grounding the music in the cultural and spiritual context of the series. This blend of traditional and modern elements is a testament to the composers’ ability to create a soundscape that is both evocative and timeless.
For more on the music of Shōgun, you can explore the soundtrack on Spotify.
A personal reflection
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the journey of creating the score for Shōgun is a reminder of the power of music in storytelling. The ability of composers to evoke emotions, set the tone, and enhance the narrative through their craft is truly remarkable. The collaboration between Ross, Chuba, Atticus Ross, and Taro Ishida is a shining example of how music can transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, creating a universal language that speaks to the heart of the story.
For those who appreciate the art of musical composition, the score of Shōgun is a must-listen, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that transport the listener to the world of feudal Japan.