Winter is here. And during this winter season, "Game of Thrones" composer Ramin Djawadi is touring the country for a special live rendition of the music from the hit show. I was lucky enough to attend the show in Connecticut on February 25.
And it was incredible.
Djawadi conducts the whole show, with his team including a vocalist, cellist, violinist, and percussion. Joining them on tour are local orchestras from each of the 24 cities, an impressive moving stage, and pyrotechnics.
The stage has a unique set up, with the orchestra on one side and a middle walkway connecting to a smaller stage for signaling out the star of each song. Above them sits two huge screens playing the shots of the show and two circular moving screens that make the show more visceral.
The concert did a great job blending the iconic music with some of the shows more important moments. It almost served as sparknotes version of the show from seasons 1-6. It's a great reminder of the emotional roller coaster that is this show and the power of music that elicits these responses in fans. I could've done without reliving the red wedding and seeing some of the other major characters being killed off. Until I remembered that this is Game of Thrones. My sadness and excitement at these moments is what brings me back.
Some of the best moments in the show come from the recreation of the battle scenes. The wildfire explodes on stage during the Battle of Blackwater. Fire bursts out of the screens as dragons terrorize the enemies during the Battle of Meeren. Of course, the most memorable moment of the night is the recreation of the song "Light of the Seven" showing Cersei's rise to power. Djawadi himself played the piano and organ through to the end when wildfire burst around him. It was moment cementing his status as the star of the show and an important part of the team that creates "Game of Thrones" for the screen.
Of course there were some technical difficulties throughout. A few screen malfunctions took you out for a few seconds. And some of the dialogue from the show that they played was hard to understand and distracting. But, overall, the pros outweigh the cons.
This live experience is essential for "Game of Thrones" fans. We have a long time to wait until Season 7 comes out. Until then, this show is a great reminder of why we love it and keep coming back, while also accentuating the power that music can have. Sometimes the music elicits responses in people so subconsciously that you don't even realize the impact it can have. Not until you hear it blaring in an arena set for basketball games.
If you have the chance, go see "Game of Thrones" live. It runs until April 2 in Portland, Oregon. It is so worth the price of admission and will make you fall in love with the show even more.
