How Succession's Composer Created the Theme Song | Vanity Fair

Composer and pianist Nicholas Britell takes us through his composition of the Emmy-winning main title and score of HBO's 'Succession.' With an unconventional family came unconventional scales and a strange combination of sounds. To craft a melancholic classical theme layered with hip-hop influence, Britell envisioned the music the Roy family might imagine for themselves.



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[henricuscicero]

I decided to give this show a shot because I heard the theme first. Such a great show.
"You can't make a tomlette without breaking a few greggs" sent 67 times

[Wowreally]

This theme song is PERFECT. It gets me so pumped for the show every episode. Never fast-forward. The visuals in the intro are also incredible.

[DaveSwart]

I wonder if actors realize how important this is. This song literally puts my brain in Succession mode. And during the show, the haunting, foolish, blooperesque with dire consequences…. It’s just awesome.

[douglasalan]

Probably the most distinctive theme ever. Unforgettable and brilliant.

[gabrielfriedel]

It's such a treat to hear someone talk about their passion

[crystalstanley]

Usually after an episode or two of a series, I fast forward past the opening theme and credits, but NEVER on Succession! I never tire of the complexity and strange beauty of this music.

[FIuxWave]

The way this music hits at the end of season 3 is incredible. Ends the scene perfectly.

[dasikakn]

This theme song is so hauntingly soft, sad and lonely with the dissonant notes, but also feels beautiful and rich at the same time because of the classical music chords. You almost want to care for the broken characters but are simultaneously repulsed by them. It’s an amazing lead to the show!

[enraegen]

The 4 seasons are the 4 movements of a symphony? I'm again blown away by the thought, talent, and diligence that goes into this show. No wonder it felt like season 4 is hitting a similar note to season 1! This is incredible.

[JeannesMovieChats]

Moonlight, The King AND Succession!? What a resume - this guys' a musical genius!

[siempresepuede]

It's incredible how this guy interprets music according to different environments, emotions and sensations. Truly amazing gift he has.

[qfwfq]

I always think of this score as being representative of the Roy family. The big, powerful, lumbering Logan is the low chords, and the high piano melody is his children flitting and tumbling around him, always slightly out of tune and out of time with his plodding, inevitable movements.

[Damphouse]

The 808 bass mixed with the piano is perfect. It shows the classical luxurious nature of the family mixed with a modern approach to an evergrowing and progessive world. The hip hop percussion is a great compliment.

[lucysnow]

I didn't skip the intro one single time, what a wonderful piece. The more I listened to it the more I liked it.

[coughfee_beans]

That intro for Succession is literally what made me try it out. I heard it and figured I should try the show. I never cared that much about a score before.

[SunilDavuluri]

I did not understand a single thing this man was trying to explain, but I could feel everything he was saying.

[niranjanjose]

The score perfectly gives the feeling of tension within the granduers of the Roy family, nd the fusion of hip hop with classical music gives me the chills.

[vruz]

Nicholas Britell sounds like an extremely intelligent composer. This combination of 1700s classical and urban music reminds me a lot of the vibe of Trip Hop à la Portishead, and also the kind of electro-tango vibe of Gotan Project or Bajofondo. Melancholy, or even possibly nostalgia about a long bygone era; the sound of weeping and the crumbling noise of an aging empire of fading power and wealth.

[markhsu]

Watching video: "This guy is incredible." Looking at his background and finding out he was a currency trader at a hedge fund before scoring movies and TV: "This guy is a genius."

[DRE_vid]

I've watched every episode, and I've never once hit "Skip Intro" because I love love love this theme and all the imagery behind it, the mood swings, the power. One of the best in television history.