EPISODE 205

The Netflix series Bridgerton has hooked audiences with its bodice-ripping sex scenes, a colorblind approach period drama casting, and a soundtrack featuring recreations of modern bangers from pop stars like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish arranged in the style of a classical string quartet. 

By bringing modern melodies into the proper world of Regency England, the show reminds us that classical music wasn’t always so stuffy and solemn. In its time, it trafficked in the same scandal as modern pop.

Alongside these classical-pop mashups, Bridgerton serves up its own ravishing score from composer Kris Bowers, who joins to break down how he made the past pop.

More

Read Maria Popova on the letters of Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann

and Adrian Daub on Four Handed Monsters

SONGS DISCUSSED

Vitamin String Quartet - Thank U, Next, Bad Guy, In My Blood

Kris Bowers - When You Are Alone, Flawless My Dear, Strange

Maurice Ravel - Tombeau de Couperin, Prelude

Clara Schumann - Der Mond Kommt Still Gegangen

Johannes Brahms - Symphony No 3 in F Major Op 90, Mvt 3 (for Four Hand Piano)