Can a melody truly foreshadow impending doom, transforming a familiar tune into a harbinger of dread? The answer, as evidenced by the global phenomenon that is Squid Game, is a resounding yes.

The South Korean survival drama, which took the world by storm, is a masterclass in many things storytelling, visual aesthetics, and, perhaps most subtly, the power of its soundtrack. From the outset, the creators understood the potent impact of music, specifically classical music, in shaping the audience's experience. Its a device that elevates the tension, heightens the emotional stakes, and, in the case of certain iconic pieces, becomes intrinsically linked with the brutal realities of the game.

Title	Squid Game Soundtrack
Type	Original Soundtrack
Release Date	September 17, 2021
Composer(s)	Jaeil Jung, Kim Sungsoo, Park Min Joo
Key Music Selections	"Fly Me to the Moon" (as heard in the game's final round) "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II "Lacrimosa" by Mozart "Trumpet Concerto" by Joseph Haydn
Featured Artists	Various
Notable Characteristics	Juxtaposition of lighthearted and tense music Enhances the drama The use of classical pieces create unsettling juxtaposition with the action on screen
Streaming Platforms	Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
Official Reference Link	Netflix

Consider the case of Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube Waltz." This isn't just a pretty piece of music; in the world of Squid Game, it's a warning. The familiar, relaxing strains of this most famous waltz of the Viennese waltz king become the augurs of violence and death, signaling to both the players and the audience that more and more extreme physical, mental, and emotional torture are moments away. The waltz, once a symbol of joy and celebration, is now inextricably linked to the show's darkest moments, a chilling contrast that amplifies the show's impact.

Squid Game's success is multifaceted. Beyond the gripping narrative and the striking visuals, a crucial element is the masterfully crafted soundtrack. The choice of music wasn't arbitrary; it was a deliberate act of storytelling, enriching the viewing experience by creating a specific atmosphere. The music does more than accompany the action; it interacts with it, becoming a character in its own right, often a malevolent one.

Theres a cultural context at play, too. Like many of the things appearing on Squid Game, theres a cultural context behind the use of the classical music that a particular generation of Koreans would be familiar with. In the show, classical music plays to wake the players up before the games begin. This isnt merely a stylistic choice; it reflects the game makers' apparent belief that these pieces have a calming effect, however misguided that notion proves to be.

The shows composer, Jaeil Jung, whose credits also include the acclaimed films Parasite (2019) and Okja (2017), has demonstrated his musical prowess in his approach to composing for Squid Game. As opposed to feature film composition, the score for Squid Game demanded being bigger, longer, and slightly different. He skillfully uses the music to create moments of unexpected tension and unease, as in the juxtaposition of the playful, almost childlike "Fly Me to the Moon" playing during a deadly final round, which serves to amplify the despair, shock, and the utter unpredictability of the situation.

In Season 1, viewers were exposed to a range of classical pieces. Haydn's "Trumpet Concerto," Mozart's "Lacrimosa," and Strauss's "Blue Danube Waltz" are only a few examples. In fact, the "Lacrimosa" from Mozart's Requiem is frequently used in times of lament or grief within the show, highlighting the loss of life and innocence with each game, while Strauss' waltz is linked to the horrific nature of the games and what the players are subjected to.

The music directors had a clear understanding of how the use of classical music is one of the most effective ways for them to depict the scene. Music is a powerful device for directors to convey a film's genre and mood, enhancing the meaning of scenes. The soundtrack, released by Netflix, features selections of the original music from the show, showcasing the range of musical styles incorporated into the series.

Netflix will release a new soundtrack album for the south korean netflix original series squid game. The album features selections of the original music from the shows second season composed by jaeil jung (parasite, okja, mickey 17, broker), as well as tracks written by kim sungsoo and park min joo.

Classical music has been listened to by people from all over the world, and the familiarity of the pieces used in Squid Game only adds to their impact. Even the most shocking scenes are made more disturbing by the music, which underscores the action with a unique, artistic flair.

The decision to incorporate classical music into the show, even in contrast to other forms of more suspenseful background music, wasn't an accidental choice. The faceless game makers likely thought that classical music could calm the nerves of the contestants, but it had a drastically different effect on the audience, as they watch the dwindling, insomniac, and bloodied contestants wake up to the third movement of Haydn's "Trumpet Concerto".

The use of classical music creates a contrast between the beauty of the music and the horrors on screen. It provides a sense of unease and foreboding, amplifying the emotional impact of the scenes.

Consider this: as the players are eliminated one by one, it is the familiar music that lulls the viewers into a false sense of security before each elimination, or the horrific death of a character. Classical music is the antithesis of the games, offering a juxtaposition that highlights the brutality and the underlying themes of the show.

While the complete and full Squid Game OST, classical soundtrack, music in Squid Game, the south korean survival drama television series/show streaming on Netflix are available to stream on various platforms, each track serves to remind the viewer of the high stakes. Each scene is intensified by the emotional charge the music brings to the screen.

Explore the classical music in Squid Game: How traditional scores enhance this thrilling series, adding depth and emotion to each suspenseful scene. Through the masterful employment of its soundtrack, Squid Game proves that music is an integral part of any show, and that it can elevate the viewing experience.

Listen to the classical music from Squid Game playlist by Decca Classics on Apple Music. The playlist includes pieces such as "The Blue Danube," that is now forever associated with the show's most suspenseful and frightening moments, which are all presented in the show in order to add tension to each scene. The viewer is transported from moments of calmness to extreme stress, making each moment more immersive.

By cleverly juxtaposing the music with the action, the show's creators created a symphony of terror. Each selection, a testament to the power of music, makes the story more memorable and more moving, leaving a lasting impact on those who watch it.

The music becomes an ironic counterpoint to the onscreen violence, like the unsettling juxtaposition of Strauss' waltz or other classic works. This contrast is not only creative, but also incredibly powerful in its dramatic effect. The familiar strains of the waltz or the other classical works used in the show become a symbol of both joy and horror.

The music selections in Squid Game are a perfect example of how music can enhance the emotions of a scene. It is a part of the storytelling, it enhances the themes, and it allows for the contrast between joy and sorrow that the creators wanted to portray to the viewer.