Paramount+ saw record success with the launch of 1883, which stands as the platform’s most watched original series premiere to date. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, the show was created by Taylor Sheridan and serves as a prequel to the already popular series Yellowstone, following the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains and the last of untamed America.
Composers Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian are Emmy-nominated for their original music. The show is recognized in the “Outstanding Music Composition For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Movie Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)” category.
“The score for 1883 was inspired by the culture and musical language of immigrants traveling from Europe and making their way to the American West,” explains Vivian. “These cultures inspired our instrumentation, and we played and recorded folk instruments, such as hurdy gurdy, Greek bouzouki, mandolin, etc., and affected/prepared them in ways that reflected the hardship of the characters’ arduous journey. We combined these signature instruments with an orchestral backdrop to underline the grandness of the story’s scale, as well as the intimate moments of each character going through a nightmare to find a better life.”
Tyler says he wrote a 10-minute suite to start, which Taylor used to set the tone daily on the shoot on location.
“He would play my theme before and during scenes on speakers to get actors in the mindset of the story. He even would play the music for costume designers and the camera crew to evoke the tone of 1883. It is truly incredible being part of a project that values music so highly. Also, collaborating with Breton Vivian has been an amazing continuation from our work on Yellowstone. I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with Taylor on our third and most ambitious project yet.”
