Darker Shades of Classical: Exploring the Haunting Scores in Wednesday Season 2

Jenna Ortega‘s Musical Dedication: from Lessons to Prokofiev in ‘Wednesday’ Season 2

Los Angeles, CA – Jenna Ortega’s commitment to her role as Wednesday Addams extends beyond the iconic character’s deadpan delivery and gothic aesthetic. The actress immersed herself in cello lessons for the first season of the hit Netflix series, and has revisited the instrument for a pivotal scene in the newly released Season 2.

The opening episode of Wednesday Season 2 features the character performing Sergei Prokofiev’s dramatic “Dance of the Knights.” While the final sound heard is courtesy of a professional cellist, Ortega dedicated two months to learning the instrument prior to filming Season 1 to ensure her portrayal felt authentic.

“I probably couldn’t play too well now,” Ortega admitted to Wire,but expressed a continued interest in the cello,stating,”It is something that I want to continue to pursue. I have immense respect for anybody who plays the cello. I think it’s such a delightful instrument.”

This dedication highlights a growing trend among actors embracing musical authenticity in their roles. while historically, post-production frequently enough filled such gaps, a rising number of performers are actively learning instruments to enhance their on-screen credibility and connection to their characters. This not only elevates the performance but also offers a unique challenge and artistic fulfillment for the actors themselves.

Interestingly, the cellist credited for the solos in Wednesday also has a connection to the show’s narrative – he portrays Mátyás, a character who meets an untimely end within the series.

Wednesday Season 2 is currently rolling out on Netflix, with Part 1 now available and Part 2 slated for release on September 3, 2025. The new season boasts an expanded cast including Joanna Lumley as Grandmama Hester and Billie Piper as Isadora Capri, the Academy’s new head of music. Adding to the star power, Lady Gaga will appear in Part 2 as Rosaline Rotwood, a teacher at Nevermore Academy.

The inclusion of classical music, particularly the powerful and recognizable “Dance of the Knights,” adds another layer of depth to the Wednesday universe, demonstrating the show’s willingness to blend gothic aesthetics with high art. Prokofiev’s piece, originally composed for the ballet Romeo and Juliet, is ofen associated with themes of conflict and impending doom – fitting perfectly within the show’s darkly comedic tone.

How does the increased use of dissonance and minor keys in Season 2 contribute to the show’s darker atmosphere compared to Season 1?

The Return of Gothic Soundscapes

Season 2 of Wednesday isn’t just visually striking; its soundtrack is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Building upon the established gothic aesthetic of Season 1, the music leans even deeper into classical compositions, but with a distinctly darker, more unsettling edge. This isn’t simply background music; it’s a character in itself, amplifying the show’s suspense, mystery, and emotional weight. The use of classical music in film and television is nothing new, but Wednesday elevates it to an art form.

Key Composers & Recurring Motifs

While Danny Elfman’s iconic theme remains central, Season 2 expands the musical palette. Expect to here more prominently:

Franz Liszt: His dramatic and often melancholic pieces, like Liebestraum No. 3, perfectly underscore Wednesday’s internal conflicts and burgeoning romantic interests. The emotional intensity of Liszt’s work resonates with the show’s themes of isolation and longing.

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Known for his lush, romantic, and often brooding compositions, Rachmaninoff’s pieces – especially excerpts from his piano concertos – are used to heighten moments of tension and foreshadow dramatic reveals.

Camille saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre is a recurring motif,subtly woven into scenes involving supernatural occurrences and impending danger. Its playful yet sinister tone is a brilliant fit for Nevermore Academy.

Modest Mussorgsky: The unsettling and psychologically charged atmosphere of Night on Bald Mountain is utilized to emphasize the darker,more chaotic elements of the season’s narrative.

These composers aren’t chosen randomly. Their individual styles – characterized by dramatic flair, emotional depth, and a touch of the macabre – align seamlessly with the show’s overall tone. The strategic use of film scoring techniques is evident throughout.

Deconstructing Specific Scene Scores

Let’s look at how specific scenes utilize classical music to enhance the narrative:

1. The Séance Scene (Episode 3): A haunting rendition of Liszt’s Totentanz (Dance of Death) builds tension as Wednesday attempts to communicate with the spirit world. The piece’s frantic energy and dissonant chords mirror the instability of the séance itself.
2. Xavier’s Vision (Episode 5): Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 provides a backdrop to Xavier’s increasingly disturbing visions. The concerto’s sweeping melodies and emotional swells amplify the sense of dread and foreboding.
3. The Hyde Transformation (Episode 7): Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre is subtly layered into the scene as a character undergoes a Hyde transformation. The music’s playful yet menacing quality underscores the duality of the Hyde’s nature.

These examples demonstrate how the music isn’t merely accompanying the visuals; it’s actively shaping the audience’s emotional response. This is a hallmark of effective soundtrack analysis.

The Psychological Impact of Minor Keys & Dissonance

A key element of the wednesday score is its frequent use of minor keys and dissonant harmonies. These musical choices aren’t accidental. They’re deliberately employed to create a sense of unease, anxiety, and psychological tension.

Minor Keys: Evoke feelings of sadness,melancholy,and mystery.

Dissonance: Creates a sense of instability and conflict, mirroring the internal struggles of the characters and the external threats they face.

Chromaticism: The use of notes outside the diatonic scale adds a layer of complexity and ambiguity, further enhancing the unsettling atmosphere.

This deliberate manipulation of musical elements contributes significantly to the show’s overall psychological impact. Understanding music theory basics can help appreciate the nuances of the score.

Beyond the classics: Incorporating Modern Elements

While rooted in classical tradition, the Wednesday* score