Netflix Series Squid Game's Second Season Soundtrack: Identifying the Showcased Classical Music
In the world of television, few shows have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Squid Game. The South Korean series, which first premiered in September 2021, has returned for a second season, filled with new twists, challenges, and, of course, a selection of classical music.
The original series featured a variety of classical pieces, including 'Lacrimosa' from Mozart's Requiem in D minor, 'Moonlight' Sonata by Beethoven, 'Waltz of the Flowers' from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, 'Danse Macabre' by Saint-Saeëns, and 'Clair de lune' by Debussy. For the second season, South Korean composer Jung Jae-il has taken the helm, composing the music to accompany the new contestants as they risk their lives for a prize of ₩45.6 billion (roughly $31 million in USD).
One of the most recognisable pieces in the second season is 'Nessun dorma' by Puccini, sung by Luciano Pavarotti in the 1990 World Cup and now performed by Paul Potts in Squid Game. The opera aria, from Puccini's opera Turandot, has been reimagined to add a dramatic edge to the intense competition.
Another familiar tune in the series is 'Time to Say Goodbye', initially released in 1995 by Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto, and achieving greater success with an English language version in 1996. In Squid Game season 2, the song is performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, adding a poignant touch to the narrative.
The Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat Major by Haydn, known for its use as the "wake up" alarm music in Squid Game season 2, also makes a return. Besides these, the series includes other classical pieces such as Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube" waltz, as well as jazz-influenced pieces that blend dramatic themes with smooth melodies.
The second season of Squid Game picks up three years after the first, focusing on Seong Gi-hun's life after winning the game. Each contestant, once again, is in severe debt and risks their life to compete. The show's blend of suspense, drama, and classical music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Squid Game season 2 trailer was released on 30 December 2024, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the return of this unique and compelling series. As the countdown continues, it's clear that Squid Game's music will remain an integral part of the show's success.
Note: [1] The jazz-influenced pieces in Squid Game are not strictly classical but are included in the series to blend dramatic themes with smooth melodies. [2] The Blue Danube waltz is another classical piece featured in Squid Game season 2. [3] The source for this information is a news article from The Guardian, dated 17 September 2021. [4] 'Time to Say Goodbye' is a song about two lovers parting. [5] The soundtrack for Squid Game season 2 includes a mix of emotional and iconic tracks beyond the previously mentioned compositions.
In the second season of Squid Game, the soulful opera aria 'Nessun dorma' by Puccini is reimagined, adding a dramatic edge to the intense competition. Additionally, the moving ballad 'Time to Say Goodbye,' initially released in 1995, is performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, lending poignancy to the series' narrative.
