Lecture Notes: Cultural Influences in How To Train Your Dragon Soundtrack

Introduction

• A follow-up to a previous video about bagpipes in the film.
• New insights gained from the official scorebook and deluxe album booklet.
• Focus on cultural influences on the soundtrack, including:
  • Medieval and Celtic instruments
  • Icelandic pop music
  • Middle Eastern influences

Why Bagpipes?

• John Powell initially based the score on Scandinavian folk music.
• Celtic music introduced for warmth and empathy, which were missing.
• Bagpipes added as part of the Celtic angle.
• Score features distinctive sounds, inspired by Powell’s Scottish heritage.
• Compromise for the Fate Theme:
  • Originally sounded Middle Eastern/Jewish.
  • Used Celtic sounds to align it more with the film’s theme.

Instrument Analysis

The Downed Dragon

• Hurdy-gurdy used for the drone, often mistaken for bagpipes.
• Melody played by gadulka, with Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle accenting root notes.
• Use of electric guitar to support bass instruments, like the hurdy-gurdy.

New Tail

• Melody played by hurdy-gurdy and yayli tanbur (Turkish lute).
• Sopilka whistle used, which is Ukrainian.
• Dhols (Indian drums) play a significant role in percussion.
• Combined instruments create unique soundscapes.

Forbidden Friendship

• Scene-driven score with minimal dialogue.
• Inspired by temp track: Sigur Rós’s "Odin's Raven Magic."
• Use of slate and glass marimbas, inspired by marimba use in the temp track.
• Influence from Icelandic singer Jónsi and Sigur Rós.

Future Content and Engagement

• Plans to explore other works by John Powell like "Call of the Wild" and "Solo: A Star Wars Story."
• Upcoming videos on How To Train Your Dragon themes and Indiana Jones scores.
• Encouragement to like, subscribe, and follow for more content.
• Social media presence: Twitter, Reddit, Discord.