Italian composer Paolo Buonvino has made a significant impact on the musical landscape with his score for Netflix’s “The Leopard” series. The show, which has garnered global acclaim since its release in March, is a modern retelling of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s classic Sicily-set novel. Set in the backdrop of the social revolution in 1860s Sicily, the series has been a major hit for the streaming giant, marking their biggest foray into Italian content.
Lead-directed by Tom Shankland, the series stars Deva Cassel, daughter of Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, in the role of Angelica Sedara, a middle-class woman who becomes a catalyst for social change. The show also features Kim Rossi Stewart as Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, and Saul Nanni as Tancredi Falconeri, the prince’s nephew. Benedetta Porcaroli plays Concetta, Tancredi’s cousin who is deeply in love with him.
Buonvino, known for his collaborations with renowned Italian directors, delved deep into the musical traditions of Sicily for the show’s score. Immersing himself in the island’s rich heritage, he conducted extensive ethnomusicological research to create a soundtrack that captured the essence of the story.
When asked about the daunting task of scoring such a beloved classic, Buonvino expressed a sense of responsibility due to the novel’s status as a European literary masterpiece. He also emphasized the need to avoid stereotypes and pay homage to Visconti’s iconic film adaptation.
In his quest to capture the essence of Sicily, Buonvino focused on depicting the island’s unique atmosphere through music. He also explored the historical context of the story, including the social and political upheavals of the time. The composer drew inspiration from traditional Sicilian songs, such as “Spunta lu Suli” and “Si Fussi Aceddu,” to infuse the score with authentic Sicilian flavors.
One of the standout moments in the series is the iconic dance scene featuring a waltz. Buonvino took a personal approach to composing the music for this scene, aiming to convey the essence of the protagonist’s life through the music. He worked closely with the director to ensure that the music resonated with the character’s emotional journey, creating a poignant and cathartic moment in the show.
Overall, Buonvino’s meticulous research and creative approach have elevated the musical experience of “The Leopard,” adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling. His innovative use of traditional Sicilian music has brought a unique and captivating soundtrack to this modern adaptation of a classic tale. Starting with a strong foundation is essential in any project, and for us, that foundation was the inspiration we drew from our initial concept. We knew we wanted to create something unique and captivating, so we used that as our starting point. With a clear vision in mind, we began to flesh out our ideas and bring them to life.
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