Why House of the Dragon kept the theme music from Game of Thrones
By Ariba Bhuvad
If you’ve been watching House of the Dragon, then you know that the opening theme music is exactly the same as Game of Thrones. Many (including myself) were anticipating something new and different, but the only thing that changed were the graphics.
Composer Ramin Djawadi, who writes the music for both shows, explained the decision during IGN’s State of Streaming 2022 event. “I think that’s a good example of tying back the old material with the new,” Djawadi said. “As a franchise to just connect all of these stories together. In the original main title, we always looked at and thought of it as an overarching theme that connects all of the characters and the journey and the adventures of this universe. So we felt it would be appropriate to connect it with this main title theme again.”
That said, Djawadi is absolutely creating new music for the franchise, especially when it comes to character themes. “Melodically I’m starting completely from scratch, but sonically I’m drawing back from the original score,” he explained. “There are certain sounds that I will use that I would have used with the Targaryens in the past.”
House of the Dragon composer talks opening theme music
I love the idea of the new show sonically connecting back to the original one, and there’s no one better to thread this needle that Djawadi. “The music has always played a big role in Game of Thrones,” he said. “The music can guide the audience, and it can mislead the audience. So the original Game of Thrones we played very close attention to how we did the narration with music. We’re definitely planning on doing the same thing here.”
I am looking forward to seeing how Ramin Djawadi brings his musical genius to the new series. The score during Alicent Hightower’s entrance into the wedding feast in the latest episode was a highlight! More of that, please.
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