Fans of Succession will miss the show for various reasons now that it has reached its climax and will not be returning. The hit HBO show managed to provide fans with a number of compelling stories and scenes throughout its 39 episodes across four seasons.
However, while many were able to get behind the story of Logan Roy and the fact that his four children were continuing to try and inherit his fortune from under him, some will miss it because of the musical elements used.
The show had earned acclaim from critics for its soundtrack, as many described it to be among one of the best elements. Many were full of praise for it because it was as complex and propulsive as the drama that ensued with every episode. The sound design was also extremely clever, with a number of different techniques having been utilized throughout, thus helping to make Succession one of the best to have ever been released on TV.
Classic Musical Was Distorted
Classical music has managed to fit in with political dramas seamlessly over the years, which is why so many continue to use them as part of the musical element. It is familiar, and it is typically expected by those who watch these types of dramas.
However, there have been instances when the classical music that has been used has been off-beat, which has helped to create a sense of intrigue, as the tone of the audio suddenly becomes distorted, thus potentially signifying danger or something dark is about to happen.
The composer of Succession – Nicholas Britell – takes elements from Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata to create the theme. He uses unfamiliar bars that are not instantly recognized, but then puts his own twist on it. He slows them down, and changes a few notes, thus creating the tension that can be immediately felt when the soundtrack roles.
This can be spotted through the use of a piano playing the theme music out of tune. This was done purposely, as it creates the desired tension. Then, the melody used also appears to be rather awkward – but again, on purpose.
Britell also uses different techniques to create the rhythms and layers that are used. With a hip-hop beat-maker background with a foot in classical music, it is no surprise he was able to combine the two styles in his first foray into TV. He will have likely been able to use programs that can help him combine the two sound effects together to create the audio that he was able to produce.
You Are Able To Hear What The Characters Hear
Another reason the sound effects used in Succession were considered to be a key reason why the HBO show did extremely well throughout its tenure is that you could feel the music and audio used in a unique way.
The first episode of the TV show saw viewers meet Kendall Roy. He has been described as someone that you would want to slap as soon as you met him because of his character and personality. This did not help when we witnessed him listening to the Beastie Boys being chauffeured to a business meeting.
The scene creates cringe for viewers, but as it goes on and given the controversy over the band, the music disappears and we can hear Kendall rapping in a way where it is felt he hates himself as much as viewers do. Through the use of switching techniques, viewers are given an entrance into the character’s personality and what he might be feeling.
Use of Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sounds
Throughout the entirety of the show, audio editors used diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. This helped to build the story further, as it led viewers to remain invested and intrigued to see what would happen next. Ultimately, many would have found that they would find it difficult to try and anticipate who would be the successor of the Roy family once Logan had passed away.
There are a number of shocking moments that are created as a result of their use, which helped to create an interesting watching experience. The show’s conclusion sees Kendall being used at the very end as he walks along the Hudson River. Viewers can hear what the character is hearing – the Hudson River flowing. It was a deliberate technique, as it helped everyone to understand that the story is over, as the Roy siblings finally come to their senses and learn that there is more that is happening around them.
