Gannicus
In the midst of my semi-serious very serious and unrelenting obsession with the Starz series Spartacus, I've also become completely infatuated with the soundtracks of each of the four seasons. Composer Joseph LoDuca has created some of the most passionate, powerful, nuanced, and expressive orchestral music I've heard. Also, his implementation of Middle Eastern instruments and vocalists gives the scores a sense of the time and location of the historical legend that is the story of Spartacus and his army of rebels.
While listening to these soundtracks I've noticed in the War of the Damned soundtrack that LoDuca has given the former champion gladiator/rebel general Gannicus his own theme. I'm inspired to write this post simply because of how beautiful this theme is. I will also include the track from the Gods of the Arena soundtrack, which is entitled "Gannicus." It is heard when the character is introduced in that prequel season (and also in Vengeance when Gannicus is introduced at the arena before Spartacus burns it down). I've only noticed the War of the Damned "Gannicus Theme" in four tracks, each one a different intensity. The only purpose of this post is to appreciate and enjoy the music. Enjoy!
Gannicus - Gods of the Arena
These are the four tracks with the "Gannicus Theme" from War of the Damned. Such an incredible, albeit short, piece of musical gloriousness.
1. Getaway - War of the Damned
This music is heard when Gannicus is escaping the city of Sinuessa with Sibyl and Laeta. He volunteered to stay to provide distraction while Spartacus, Crixus, Agron, and the others escaped after Crassus' army invaded. No one thought he'd make it out alive, but, as you'll see, he did.
This music is heard when Gannicus is escaping the city of Sinuessa with Sibyl and Laeta. He volunteered to stay to provide distraction while Spartacus, Crixus, Agron, and the others escaped after Crassus' army invaded. No one thought he'd make it out alive, but, as you'll see, he did.
[Scene description coming soon... I have to re-watch!]
3. Returns a Hero - War of the Damned
This track is heard when Gannicus comes riding in on horseback to the site of the rebel army with Sibyl and Laeta—a sight many did not expect to see—followed by heartfelt greetings of a friend thought lost.
This track is heard when Gannicus comes riding in on horseback to the site of the rebel army with Sibyl and Laeta—a sight many did not expect to see—followed by heartfelt greetings of a friend thought lost.
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| This is a more accurate image. The video's image isn't correct. |
4. Final Glory - War of the Damned
This music is played after Gannicus is crucified in the series finale. While accepting his fate on the cross, he has a vision of his old friend, Oenomeaus, and a final, triumphant flashback of the place where he feels most alive: the arena. He then lets out a loud roar as his final, glorious moment on screen, which is the penultimate scene of the series.
I Have Done a Terrible Thing (Missio end titles music — sadly not on the official soundtrack)
This music is played after Gannicus is crucified in the series finale. While accepting his fate on the cross, he has a vision of his old friend, Oenomeaus, and a final, triumphant flashback of the place where he feels most alive: the arena. He then lets out a loud roar as his final, glorious moment on screen, which is the penultimate scene of the series.
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| Final Glory (video's image isn't correct). |
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