Jeff Russo on merging Sicilian folk with modern composition for 'Ripley'

This week on the Composer Magazine Podcast co-hosts Natalie Holt and Charles Steinberg sit down with one of the most versatile composers of his generation: Jeff Russo.

This year's Emmy-nominated composer for Fargo discusses his Netflix project, Ripley — a masterful adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley. As one of the most consistent and sought-after composers in the industry, he delves into the period influences that shaped his music for the show and reflects on what it means to become the new standard bearer for some of the most enduring IPs in film and television.

Ripley (still courtesy of Netflix)

I generally tend to not ever want to be on the nose with music, but there are certain moments where you get to have that kind of fun — and it’s totally meaningful, so you can allow it.

Track listings as heard in the interview:

Intro

1. Forgery Letters - Ripley

2. Dickie’s Last Letter - Ripley

3. Dickie’s Ring - Ripley

4. Young David - Legion (S1)

5. Bad Idea - Fargo (S1)

Body

1. Naz’s Testimony - The Night Of

2. For Sale - Ripley

3. Next Steps - Ripley

4. Sicily Variation (Ravini) - Ripley