The Soundtrack Show

The Soundtrack Show

Author: iHeartPodcasts Language: English Episodes: 100
Ever wondered why a particular melody from a movie sticks in your head for decades, or how a composer uses silence to build unbearable tension? The Soundtrack Show, from iHeartPodcasts, digs into these questions with the curiosity of a film buff and the technical ear of a musician. This isn't just a playlist discussion; it's a deep exploration of the music behind iconic scenes across cinema, television, video games, and theater. Each episode focuses on a specific work, dissecting the themes, leitmotifs, and historical context that make a score memorable. You'll hear how a simple two-note motif can define a shark, or how a sweeping orchestral piece elevates a fantasy epic from good to legendary. The podcast moves beyond simple appreciation to explain the compositional choices and storytelling techniques used by masters like John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and contemporary artists. It connects the dots between the history of music and the narrative needs of visual media, offering listeners a richer understanding of what they're hearing-and feeling. Whether you're a casual viewer who gets chills when the music swells or an aspiring composer looking for insight, this series provides a compelling audio journey into the unseen, yet deeply felt, layer of our favorite stories. Tune in to develop a new way of listening.
Episodes
The Empire Strikes Back: the Music Part III [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:43
Our in-depth look at The Empire Strikes Back continues as we examine the middle of the film: the asteroid field, the planet Dagobah, and more. Continuous changes to the final score are discussed, and we get our first lis…
The Empire Strikes Back: the Music Part II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:08
We look at the music of the first act of The Empire Strikes Back: the planet Hoth. Multiple cues are discussed, as well as the creative process of iterating on musical ideas. We even get to hear restored music that was w…
The Empire Strikes Back: the Music Part I [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:44
When approaching the film score to The Empire Strikes Back, the sequel to the unprecedented smash hit Star Wars just three years before, John Williams made it all look easy. It wasn't. The pressure was intense, and the t…
2018 Wrap-Up Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:19
We celebrate our first year of The Soundtrack Show with a glimpse behind the scenes on how the show is written. We share listener emails, give a year in review, take a quick look at (and listen to) some holiday music, an…
Producing Soundtrack Albums: an Interview with Mike Matessino (part I) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:53
Mike Matessino has been producing film and television soundtrack albums for over 20 years, and has worked with some of the most famous film music of all time. We discuss everything that goes into the releases of our favo…
Lesser-Known Scores: John Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:27
We all know Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter... but what about Hook, Dracula, The Cowboys or Catch Me If You Can? We take a listen to excerpts of lesser-known works by John Williams. Learn more about your ad cho…
Rocky: the Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:45
Recorded in just three hours, this iconic score has been an inspiration to athletes all over the world for decades. We look at its creation, and how music is used to tell the story of a down-on-his luck athlete whose lif…
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: the Music Part III [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:44
In our final look at Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, we explore the music for "he who must not be named." The original soundtrack album is also discussed, and we review the 9-part children's suite for orchestra…
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: the Music Part II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
Using musical examples, we explore how the films and books of Harry Potter are a metaphor for common struggles that take place during the normal school year. Themes for Harry, the Potter family, Quidditch, and Hogwarts a…