‘The Leopard’ Composer Paolo Buonvino on Infusing Score With Sicily

Italian composer Paolo Buonvino has taken on the task of creating the score for Netflix’s “The Leopard” series, a modern adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s classic Sicily-set novel. The series, which dropped in March, has been making waves globally and marks Netflix’s biggest venture in Italy to date.

“The Leopard” is a high-end period piece set against the backdrop of social revolution in 1860s Sicily. The story follows Angelica Sedara, played by top model Deva Cassel, who becomes a catalyst for social disruption. The series also stars Kim Rossi Stewart as Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, and Saul Nanni as Tancredi Falconeri. Benedetta Porcaroli plays Concetta, Tancredi’s cousin who is in love with him.

Buonvino, known for his work with top Italian directors, immersed himself in the musical traditions of Sicily to create the score for “The Leopard.” He conducted ethnomusicological research to capture the essence of the time and place depicted in the series.

When asked about the responsibility of scoring such an iconic story, Buonvino expressed a sense of duty to do justice to the novel and its Sicilian setting. He wanted to avoid stereotypes and pay homage to the iconic film adaptation by Luchino Visconti.

In creating the score, Buonvino aimed to evoke the essence of Sicily, capturing both its sensuality and historical significance. He wanted the music to transport listeners to the island and convey the social upheaval depicted in the series. Buonvino also sought to infuse a sense of mysticism in the score, reflecting the inner turmoil of the characters.

Through his research, Buonvino discovered two traditional Sicilian songs that inspired compositions for the series. “Spunta lu Suli” and “Si Fussi Aceddu” both reflect themes of passion and desire, mirroring the characters’ emotional journeys in “The Leopard.”

One of the most iconic moments in the series is the dance scene featuring a waltz. Buonvino took the opportunity to compose the music himself, infusing it with the essence of “The Leopard” and the prince’s life. He wanted the dance to be cathartic, allowing the prince to reflect on his past while moving to the music.

Overall, Buonvino’s score for “The Leopard” is a tribute to Sicilian musical heritage and a testament to his skill as a composer. His work adds depth and emotion to the series, enhancing the storytelling and bringing the world of 1860s Sicily to life for modern audiences. After conducting an in-depth interview with the team behind the hit show, we discovered that their inspiration for the series came from a simple question: “What if animals could talk?” This sparked their creativity and led them to explore the idea of a world where animals have their own society and culture.

The team explained that they used this concept as their starting point, building the world of the show around the idea of talking animals. They delved into the intricacies of how this society would function, from the politics to the day-to-day interactions between different species. This attention to detail helped bring the world to life and create a rich and immersive viewing experience for audiences.

One of the key points that emerged from the interview was the importance of world-building in creating a successful show. By fleshing out the details of the animal society, the team was able to create a fully realized world that felt both familiar and fantastical. This attention to detail helped to make the show feel grounded and believable, despite its fantastical premise.

Additionally, the team discussed the challenges they faced in bringing this world to life on screen. From designing the costumes and sets to working with animatronics and CGI, they had to overcome numerous hurdles to create a visually stunning and cohesive world. However, their hard work paid off, as the show has been praised for its visual effects and immersive world-building.

Overall, the interview shed light on the creative process behind the show and how the team used a simple concept as their starting point to create a complex and engaging world. By focusing on world-building and attention to detail, they were able to create a successful and visually stunning series that has captivated audiences worldwide.