World of Soundtracks

Ruth Mudge
  • 4.6 (10)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Love the soundtracks of your favorite movie or show and you don't know why? Join host Ruth Mudge as she takes you on a journey through Jane Austen, Harry Potter, and other beloved soundtracks. She explores how the music enhances telling the story and the ways these musical ideas carry both the narrative and emotional journey of the characters and world.

  1. JAN 26

    A Conversation with Mikel Hurwitz

    In this episode, Ruth talks to Canadian composer Mikel Hurwitz about the inspirations and beginning of his career as well as his newest projects, including the Documentary "Soul of the Nation" found on Apple as well as Hallmark movies and "Elements", a personal project combining orchestra and electronics. In the past year, Mikel Hurwitz has written for and conducted the Hollywood Film Orchestra at Warner Brothers and the Costa Rican National Philharmonic with the Los Angeles Film Conductors Intensive, scored the feature documentary Soul of a Nation, and seen his music grace over 40 feature films on six continents. But his journey as a composer began long before these recent milestones. Born the same month that the iconic Juno-60 Synthesizer was released, Mikel first appeared in the Toronto Star at age two, playing drums in a toddler music class. From those early days at the Royal Conservatory piano bench to improvising on guitar as a teenager, Mikel’s musical path has always been eclectic. At 15, he attended his first film scoring session and never looked back. After studies that took him from Vancouver to Oaxaca and eventually to the Berklee College of Music Film Scoring program, Mikel honed his craft in Los Angeles as Danny Elfman’s synth programmer and assistant while working on films like The Grinch, Dumbo, and Justice League. After contributing to music teams for major films he fully launched his own composing career, scoring award-winning documentaries and series like the Gentefied digital series, which was picked up by Netflix at the Sundance Film Festival. Now based in Toronto with his wife, pianist Irina Bazik, and their two children, Mikel continues to blend orchestral and electronic worlds, bringing a unique voice to the global film music stage. Guest: Mikel Hurwitz https://mikelhurwitz.com Host: Ruth Mudge https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks " Manipulated Into Intolerance?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">War > Manipulated Into Intolerance?" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Shining Bright" - Ron Taylor: Dr. Baseball (Original Soundtrack Album, music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2016 Cinemastasia "All Sides" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Fall Apart" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Diaspora" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Disengage" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Child Soldiers" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC Eruption"" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">"Resilience > Eruption" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Baseless Hatred" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC World of Soundtracks - music by Edith Mudge,...

    52 min

  2. 10/07/2025

    How To Train Your Dragon - This is Berk

    Anybody who has heard the soundtrack for How To Train Your Dragon will admit that it just a lot of fun to listen to. Part of that lies in the Celtic nature of the music both instrument wise as well as the imitation of the melodies and rhythmic structure. This episode focuses on the sounds and music of Berk that helps to set the world as a Viking clan - both the fun and adventurous side as well as the warrior side. At times, it also reflects the various leaders such as Hiccup, Stoick, Astrid who embody the good and the bad at times but overall have a fierce love of their people and eventually the dragons that they protect. This also includes "The Village Hymn" from the third movie which is a newer theme for Berk and its leaders, covering a range of emotions especially for Hiccup and Astrid's relationship as the leaders of Berk. Host: Ruth Mudge https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks Music by John Powell "This is Berk" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Anybody See That?" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack/Deluxe Edition), music by John Powell, 2020 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande Records, LLC, a Concord Company. "New Tail" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "See You Tomorrow" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "This Time for Sure" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Astrid Goes for a Spin" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "War Room" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "The Downed Dragon" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Dragon Training" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Focus, Hiccup!" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Not a Viking" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack/Deluxe Edition), music by John Powell, 2020 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande Records, LLC, a Concord Company. "Ready the Ships" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Battling the Green Death" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Counter Attack" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of...

    43 min

  3. 08/06/2025

    How to Train Your Dragon - Hiccup's Journey

    In this episode, we follow Hiccup's journey from an awkward inventor and teenager to the Chief leading Berk over the course of the trilogy, How To Train Your Dragon. We look at four different themes over the course of the three movies as Hiccup continues to dream big while growing in his relationships with his parents and Toothless. He takes big risks, seeks new places, and learns how to lead the clan of Vikings and dragons. Join host Ruth Mudge as she explores the storytelling genius of John Powell taking these themes from joyous and upbeat versions to the melancholy or heroic, with each theme morphing and changing as the story unfolds. Host: Ruth Mudge, https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks "This is Berk" - How To Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "The Downed Dragon" - How To Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "The Kill Ring" - How To Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Ready the Ships" - How To Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Battling the Green Death" - How To Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Dragon Racing" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Me Likey" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), The Deluxe Edition, music by John Powell, 2022 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Battle of the Bewilderbeast" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Riding to Drago's" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), The Deluxe Edition, music by John Powell, 2022 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Two New Alphas" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Together We Map the World' - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Hiccup the Chief/Drago's Coming" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Valka's Dragon Sanctuary" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Flying with Mother" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Stoick Saves Hiccup" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Toothless Lost" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Should I Know You?" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal...

    58 min

  4. 05/29/2025

    A Conversation with Dominik Scherrer

    In this episode, Ruth talks to Anglo-Swiss composer Dominik Scherrer about many topics including inspirations for his career to writing for period dramas to specifics in writing for the BBC/PBS series "Miss Austen." Whether it is the choice of instruments to writing in 7/8 to writing for the emotional truth of the work, there were a lot of topics to cover. We also covered a little regarding the album for "Miss Marple." The music of Anglo-Swiss composer Dominik Scherrer can be heard in some of the finest dramas made in recent years, earning him two Ivor Novello Awards, a Primetime Emmy nomination, and a further four Ivor Novello nominations.  Born into a musical family in Zurich, Switzerland, Dominik moved to London aged 19, where he has resided since. Among his initial compositions were two groundbreaking operas for the screen. The second, “Hell for Leather,” garnered attention, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, being selected for the prestigious Young British Artist exhibition, Sensation at the Brooklyn Museum, and subsequently received ten international awards. Dominik started scoring independent feature films, such as apocalyptic The Nine Lives of Tomas Katz and followed on with scores for acclaimed British drama series such as six seasons of Agatha Christie’s Marple and five seasons of the Victorian crime drama Ripper Street, earning him his first Ivor Novello award. He is a frequent collaborator of director Aisling Walsh, scoring her Bafta nominated An Inspector Calls, the Bafta winning Elizabeth is Missing, and most recently Miss Austen. Dominik received a second Ivor Novello Award for the supernatural thriller Requiem, on which he collaborated with Natasha Khan, aka Bat for Lashes. His collaboration with the writers Harry Williams and Jack Williams began with the global hit The Missing. Dominik’s score received a Primetime Emmy nomination. Further scores for the Williams brothers were for The Widow, Boat Story, and The Tourist. Sight & Sound praised Dominik’s unique soundtrack to the Netflix series The Serpent: “Dominik Scherrer’s marvellous score, a riot of analogue synths.” The soundtrack was nominated for an Ivor Novello and Camille Award. Guest: Dominik Scherrer, dominikscherrer.com or dominik_g_scherrer on Instagram. Host: Ruth Mudge, World of Soundtracks "Reading Jane's Letter" - Miss Austen (Original Soundtrack), music by Dominik Scherrer, 2025 Bonnie Productions LTD, under exclusive license to Dubois Records. "The Promise" - The Piano, music by Michael Nyman, 1993 Michael Nyman LTD. "Claiming the Letters" - Miss Austen (Original Soundtrack), music by Dominik Scherrer, 2025 Bonnie Productions LTD, under exclusive license to Dubois Records. "Ripper Street" - Ripper Street (Original Television Soundtrack), music by Dominik Scherrer, 2015 Silva Screen Records LTD. "a...

    50 min

  5. 04/04/2025

    A Conversation with Hannes de Maeyer

    In this episode, Ruth talks to Belgium composer Hannes de Maeyer about the inspirations for writing music, particularly through collaboration. Whether it is his work with directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah for a decade, working with co-composer Ruben De Gheselle on the UK drama Patience, or different musicians like the Budapest Art Orchestra or singers Berre and Oum, Hannes has had the privilege of working with a variety of different people in a variety of different styles in his shows and movies. We also talk about writing for the same project in different countries such as "Professor T", the film scene in Belgium and Europe, musical ideas in "The Couple Next Door" as well as a love of Alan Menken's Disney music. Hannes De Maeyer is one of Belgium's most versatile composers, best known for his collaboration with director duo Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah (Rebel, Gangsta, Black) and from his original music to ITV prime time drama Professor T and psychological thriller series The Couple Next Door (Starz). His scores range from pure electronic to impressive symphonic instrumentation. De Maeyer’s symphonic score for the war epic Torpedo won him Best Original Score at the 2020 World Soundtrack Awards. His work spans international productions, including the series Keizersvrouwen (Women Of The Night - Netflix), and the animated series Ninja Express. In 2022, he earned acclaim for his score for Rebel, a musical tragedy directed by El Arbi & Fallah, which premiered at Cannes and won multiple awards, including Best Original Score at the Magritte Awards. Most recently, De Maeyer scored the NPO miniseries The Jewish Council and the UK series The Couple Next Door. He recently completed the fourth season of the UK remake of Professor T with the fifth currently in the works and also completed the sequel to Gangsta (Patser). His music continues to resonate across genres, establishing him as a key figure in contemporary film composition.  Guest: Hannes de Maeyer: https://hannesdemaeyer.com Host: Ruth Mudge: https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks "Main Theme" - Immenhof/Das Abenteuer eines Sommers (Original Soundtrack), music by Hannes De Maeyer, 2019 Rich and Famous Film Gmbh "Main Titles" - Image (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by Hannes De Maeyer, 2014 HDMusic "Lullaby 1" - Rebel (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by Hannes de Maeyer & Oum, 2022 Caviar under exclusive license to Milan Records, a label of Sony Music Entertainment "Professor T Main Titles" - Professor T (Original Television Soundtrack), music by Hannes de Maeyer, 2021 Silva Screen Records Ltd. "The Couple Next Door" ("The Ties That Bind Us") [feat. Berre] - The Couple Next Door (Original Television Soundtrack), music by Hannes De Maeyer, 2025 Eagle Eye Drama, under exclusive license to Silva Screen Records Limited. "The Couple Next Door" - The Couple Next Door (Original Television Soundtrack), music by Hannes De Maeyer, 2025 Eagle Eye Drama, under exclusive license to Silva Screen Records Limited. "Patience Main Titles" - Patience (Original Television Soundtrack), music by Hannes De Maeyer, 2025 Eagle Eye Drama, under exclusive license to Silva Screen Records Limited. "World of Soundtracks" - music by Edith Mudge, graphics by Lindsey Bergsma, 2022.

    37 min

  6. 01/08/2025

    How To Train Your Dragon - Friendship Forever

    In this episode, we look at the iconic Friendship themes between Hiccup and the dragon Toothless throughout the trilogy of films: How To Train Your Dragon by composer John Powell. From their first encounter to becoming best friends, the themes evolve and change as the characters evolve and change. Join host Ruth Mudge as she takes you chronologically through the trilogy with the themes and how they tell the story of these two friends. Host: Ruth Mudge, https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks “Test Drive” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “This is Berk” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “The Downed Dragon” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Wounded” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “The Dragon Book” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Forbidden Friendship” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “New Tail” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Not so Fireproof” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Romantic Flight” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “The Cove” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “The Kill Ring” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Ready the Ships” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Battling the Green Death” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Counter Attack” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Where’s Hiccup?” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Coming Back Around” - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010. “Dragon Racing” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Where No One Goes” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell & Jonsi, performed by Jonsi, 2014. “Hiccup the Chief/Drago’s Coming” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Valka’s Dragon Sanctuary” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Can we start over?” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture) [The Deluxe Edition], music by John Powell, 2022. “Battle of the Bewilderbeast” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Hiccup Confronts Drago” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Stoick’s Ship” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Alpha comes to Berk” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Toothless Found” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Two New Alphas” - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014. “Toothless: Smitten.” - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2019.  “New, ‘New Tail’” - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Original Motion Picture...

    1h 6m

  7. 08/20/2024

    Persuasion 2022 - Expressive with Much

    In this episode, we look at the music of the 2022 Netflix film of Persuasion with the music written by British composer Stuart Earl. We explore how it uses romantic melodies tinged with melancholy to express the emotions of the main couple, primarily the main heroine Anne. We also explore how the music spans musical genres from classical to jazz influences to minimalism to a pop song by Birdy. Along with that, we also see how this film follows many formulas for romantic comedies. Host: Ruth Mudge, ruthmudge.com Music included on this podcast: "Clifftop Prelude" - Persuasion (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), music by Stuart Earl, 2022. "Journey to Uppercross" - Persuasion (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), music by Stuart Earl, 2022. "Lanterns" - Persuasion (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), music by Stuart Earl, 2022. "Sir Walter Elliot's theme" - Persuasion, music by Stuart Earl, performed by Ruth Mudge, 2024 "Mr. Elliot's theme" - Persuasion, music by Stuart Earl, performed by Ruth Mudge, 2024 "The Letter" - Persuasion (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), music by Stuart Earl, 2022. "Into the Sea" - Persuasion (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), music by Stuart Earl, 2022. "Orfeo ed Euridice: Act II - Ballo: Andante (Dance of the Blessed Spirits)" - 111 Opera Masterpieces, the Ultimate Collection, music by Christoph Willibald Gluck, performed by Southwest German Chamber Orchestra & Wilhelm Keitel, 1991 "Polifemo: Aria: Alto Giove" - Porpora: Arie d'Opera, music by Nicola Porpora, performed by Angelo Manzotti, Concordia Ensemble & Musici della Concordia, 2009 "Quietly Yours" - Persuasion (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), music by Birdy, 2022. "World of Soundtracks" - music by Edith Mudge, graphics by Lindsey Bergsma, 2022

    33 min

  8. 07/02/2024

    Persuasion 2007 - Expressive with Little

    In this episode, we look at the music of the TV film of Persuasion from 2007/2008 with the music written by British composer Martin Phipps. We explore how Phipps uses minimalism to express the emotions of the characters, primarily the main heroine Anne. Combined with her journal narration, the music tells her romantic journey of a second chance, aiding an introverted character to let the audience know what she feels. We explore looking at the instrumentation and style of this short, compact, and impactful adaptation. Host: Ruth Mudge, ruthmudge.com Music included on this podcast: "Metamorphosis 2" - Glass Piano, music by Philip Glass, performed by Bruce Brubaker, 2015. "Persuasion" - music by Martin Phipps, performed by Ruth Mudge, cello and piano. "I Lived Here" - Woman in Gold (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by Martin Phipps, 2015. "Piano Sonata, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor, Op 27, No. 2, "Moonlight": I. Adagio Sostenuto." - Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos 14 "Moonlight", 21 "Waldstein" & 23 "Appassionata", music by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Vladimir Horowitz, 1973. "Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183: 1. Allegro con brio" - Mozart: Complete Symphonies, music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by Royal Concertgebauw Orchestra & Josef Krips, 1996. "World of Soundtracks" - music by Edith Mudge, graphics by Lindsey Bergsma.

    30 min
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4.6
out of 5
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About

Love the soundtracks of your favorite movie or show and you don't know why? Join host Ruth Mudge as she takes you on a journey through Jane Austen, Harry Potter, and other beloved soundtracks. She explores how the music enhances telling the story and the ways these musical ideas carry both the narrative and emotional journey of the characters and world.

Information

  • Creator
    Ruth Mudge
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ruth Mudge
  • Show Website
    World of Soundtracks