Ludwig Emil Tomas Göransson, better known as Ludwig Goransson, is a Swedish composer, conductor, and record producer. With film scores for films like Tenet (2020), Black Panther (2018), and Creed (2015), he is setting himself apart as a recognizable composer next to the likes of Hans Zimmer and John Williams.
Although many people may never have heard his name before, they have almost certainly listened to his music at one point or another. Perhaps they have heard the current fanfare for Warner Bros. Pictures or the new Star Wars brand logo or they watched Fruitvale Station (2013).
Goransson’s first break came in 2009 when he composed the score for the comedy Community (2009 – 2015). He went on to work on various projects with director Ryan Coogler. Those projects included Fig (2011), Fruitvale Station (2013), Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), and Black Panther (2018).
He also collaborated with Christopher Nolan and wrote the film score for Tenet (2020). That movie is set to be followed up by another collaboration with Nolan on Oppenheimer (2023).
Goransson has also worked on well-known projects such as We’re the Millers (2013), Venom (2018), and Turning Red (2022). Some of his most famous, recognizable work is from both seasons of the Mandalorian (2019-) and The Book of Boba Fett (2021).
The Swedish composer already has an impressive resumé and his latest work just adds to that. The soundtracks for the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) are generally very well-received and are very popular among fans of the film.
His music is special and recognizable for each project that he works on. For movies that play in a certain place and culture, parts of said culture are carefully and gracefully implemented into the music. For instance, Goransson went to Africa prior to composing the music for Black Panther in order to make sure that the score has a culturally traditional sound.
Similarly, the soundtracks for The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett are unmistakably part of Star Wars. At the same time, however, the scores are particular to the shows, the locations, and the characters.
Goransson’s scores have a wide range from epic and majestic to more timid, quiet music. They help tell whatever narrative they were composed for. More than that, however, they each almost tell their own story and add a depth and feel to their projects that cannot be achieved without those scores.
From a more technical standpoint, the instruments are chosen well for each soundtrack and are not singled out as ‘the solo instrument’. Although certain instrumental groups have the main melody sometimes, they are part of the ensemble which fits together very well.
Goransson’s scores have so far not disappointed and were composed well. They fit the projects they were made for and usually support scenes well. They help create a unique experience for the viewers of movies and shows that Goransson worked on.
Evidently, Goransson is a great film score composer. Some of his soundtracks have become quite iconic for their unique sound and melody.
This is more biographical than I intended, Rena, though I know the assignment was vague. The last seven grafs are where it gets good. This is where you actually “review.”
The graf about Star Wars could use an example; what is it that makes them “unmistakeable”? Same for the next two grafs. Provide examples of narrative and of instrumentation. Black Panther might work again for the instruments.