Julia Quinn published the first book in her eight-part Bridgerton series, “The Duke and I,” in 2000. This was followed by a full-scale series adaptation for Netflix in 2020, with Shonda Rhimes at the helm. Period dramas have long captivated audiences, with near-constant revivals of Jane Austen’s material throughout the years. However, when Season 1 of Bridgerton premiered in December 2020, it brought not only the charm of Regency England with its polite society rules but also an unmasking of the tumultuous and often scandalous private lives of its characters. The casting was color-blind, and the leads were exciting and vibrant.
Due to the novelty of what was happening on the screen, it wasn’t sufficient to feature period music on the soundtrack (classical contemporaries were Beethoven, Rossini and Liszt). A new score was required, and composer Kris Bowers, who had a history of blurring the lines between jazz, R&B, and more, was called upon to create the original compositions that millions have since been moved by.
Music supervisor Alex Patsavas also found another way to reach modern audiences: mixing this new soundtrack with modern pop songs reimagined for a historical context. The soundtrack enhanced the storyline by allowing the audiences to relate not only to the emotions displayed by the cast but also to the music they already had an attachment to, bridging the gap between past and present.
Classical Elegance Meets Modern Sensibility
The heart of Bridgertons musical allure is its classical crossover soundtrack, even though most of its listeners do not even know the genre exists. Too often, opera and classical music have been viewed as stuffy or not for the masses. However, in this setting, where pop songs are covered with classical instruments, new fans are invited into the world of classical music in the same way Bridgerton itself invites viewers into what would have been a closed and privileged section of society.
A sampling of some of the famous songs featured so far:
“I Will Always Love You” (Dolly Parton / Whitney Houston) – Vitamin String Quartet
“What About Us” (Pink) – Duomo
“Happier Than Ever” (Billie Eilish) – Vitamin String Quartet
“Wrecking Ball” (Miley Cyrus) – Midnite String Quartet
Today’s hits are reinterpreted through strings and harpsichords. Though, like Bridgerton itself, it is performed to exact period standards, the music is sweeping, sensual, and fun.
Creating Emotional Depth
Soundtracks play a pivotal role in making audiences truly care about and understand the moments on screen. The music in Bridgerton is more than just a backdrop; it is an important narrative device. Each piece is carefully selected to underscore the emotions and tensions of the scenes. For instance, the instrumental version of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” during Daphne and Simon’s romantic getaway intensifies the passion and longing between the characters. You hear “Dancing on My Own” during the tense and charged dance between Anthony and Kate. Promises of the future look bright when Beyoncé’s “Halo” is played after Charlotte and George’s wedding, and of course, viewers are not soon to forget the inclusion of “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull in the infamous carriage scene between Season 3’s friends-to-lovers pairing of Penelope and Colin.
Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere
Composer Kris Bowers, the musical genius behind Bridgerton, has masterfully crafted original scores that complement the reimagined pop covers. Bowers’ compositions weave through the series, providing a cohesive musical thread that ties the narrative together.
A highlight from each of the seasons so far:
“Love is A Choice” – Season 1
“I Love You” – Season 2
“I Love You” – Queen Charlotte
“Main Theme” – Bridgerton
His work ensures that the show’s music is not just an accessory but a character in its own right, capable of evoking joy, tension, and sorrow with equal potency.
Impact on Popular Culture
The show’s music has not only enchanted viewers but also sparked a renewed interest in classical music and string quartets. The Economist recently published an article with the headline “The Hit Series Bridgerton has Set Off a String Quartet Boom” . Playlists featuring Bridgerton covers are hugely popular on streaming platforms, and crossover musicians are excited to see this particular trend hitting the mainstream. Even before Season 3 premiered, our own Classical Crossover Star 2023 competition winner Stephanie Horowitz-Mulry shared her own cover of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” which she hoped would appeal to fans of the show and we are confident more artists will follow this trend.
What’s Coming Next?
Bridgerton Season 3 is based on Julia Quinn’s fourth novel in her series, “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.” It features Irish actress Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington and Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton. Part One has already been watched 45.1 million times. In addition to the Pitbull cover, there was “Dynamite” originally sung by K-pop group BTS, and “Jealous’ ‘ by Nick Jonas.
The series has been split into two parts, with the second installment dropping this Wednesday (June 13th). No official announcement has been made at the time of writing this article, but fans have been speculating about what songs will feature in Part Two, particularly for a sensual scene between the romantic leads known as “the mirror” scene. User “alexis.polins.ver” on TikTok speculated it will be “POV” by Ariana Grande in a video that has over 20k views, while another user “bingewatch_ _” has a list that includes “Yellow” by Coldplay, “Lights” by Ellie Goulding, and “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift.
Whatever the truth may be, Bridgerton is a testament to the fact that there is a real market for classical crossover when done in a compelling and creative way. By melding the elegance of the Regency era with the vibrancy of modern pop, the series has created a unique auditory experience that enhances its storytelling and broadens its appeal. Classical crossover was once sneered at by critics, but it’s clear that in one form or another, this genre is here to stay. Now more than ever, musicians should embrace their versatility.
Edit: On 6/11/24 various outlets began reporting the song list for Part Two. They confirmed “POV” (Ariana Grande) as well as “Yellow” (Coldplay), “You Belong With Me” (Taylor Swift), “Lights” (Ellie Goulding) as well as “Confident” (Demi Lovato) and “Thunder” (Imagine Dragon’s). The show will also introduce original song “All I Want” sung by Tori Kelly.
