Composer Ludwig Göransson is utilizing deep historical research, custom-built instrumentation, and intensive creative immersion to score major motion pictures like Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey, according to an interview published by GQ.
Deep Immersion and Historical Research in Film Scoring
According to GQ, Ludwig Göransson goes entirely all-in on creative assignments by immersing himself in the historical and cultural roots of his subject matter. While working on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Göransson dove deep into ancient Greek musical history. His research led him to commission modern recreations of two long-lost ancient Greek instruments, including the aulos, which features prominently in the film’s most melancholic scenes. Göransson also traveled to Southern Albania to collaborate with local vocalists specializing in traditional iso-polyphonic choral music, a practice dating back thousands of years. In his studio, he surrounded himself with 35 bronze gongs in various shapes and styles. “My approach is to build sounds from the ground up, so there’s nothing that has specific associations,” Göransson told GQ in 2020.
Collaborative Workflows and Creative Iteration
During the editing process for The Odyssey, Göransson participated in weekly Friday screenings alongside film editor Jennifer Lame, director Christopher Nolan, and producer Emma Thomas. These regular viewings allowed the team to track how the music evolved alongside the visual cuts. Göransson notes that before approaching outside collaborators or musicians—such as traditional Greek lyre players—he builds heavily fleshed-out demo sketches. This preparation ensures he understands his own tempos, melodies, and harmonies, allowing him to give clear directions while meeting collaborators halfway.
Did you know? Ludwig Göransson has collaborated with everyone from Donald Glover to his former classmate Ryan Coogler, placing him just a Tony award away from being an EGOT, according to GQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects has Ludwig Göransson recently worked on?
According to GQ, Ludwig Göransson recently composed the score for Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey.
How does Ludwig Göransson approach creating a film score?
According to GQ, Göransson immerses himself completely in the world of the project, building sounds from the ground up through historical research, custom instrumentation, and detailed demo sketches before collaborating with other musicians.
What unique instruments did Göransson use for The Odyssey?
According to GQ, Göransson commissioned recreations of long-lost ancient Greek instruments, including the aulos and the lyre, and incorporated traditional Southern Albanian iso-polyphonic vocalists and 35 bronze gongs.
Explore More Creative Insights
Want to dive deeper into the routines of high-performing creators? Explore our regular Expert Habits column for more interviews and strategies from industry leaders, or subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest profiles delivered directly to your inbox. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts on Göransson’s immersive scoring techniques.