In a conversation with socialbites.ca, the showrunner of The King and the Jester, Dmitry Nelidov, explained the crucial part played by musician Alexei Gorshenev, Gorshka’s brother, in shaping the series’ sound and atmosphere.
Nelidov emphasized that Lesha Gorshenev serves not just as a composer but as a central creative force behind the music. He described a world where melodies weave through scenes rather than presenting themselves as standalone songs, noting that a single tune can appear in multiple moods and arrangements without ever becoming a full song in a concert sense. The music here is not simply an accompaniment; it drives the narrative, underscoring key moments and heightening the emotional cadence of the plot. The series is saturated with musical motifs, a realization the show’s design owes largely to Gorshenev
pivotal contribution that shapes how audiences experience the story.
Nelidov also shared how Gorshenev collaborated closely with actor Kostya Plotnikov, who portrays the character Pot. He explained that the relationship between Gorshenev and Plotnikov went beyond technical guidance: Lesha offered his perspective, memories, and small, intimate details about the world the characters inhabit. Since Pot and Gorshenev
brother figure in the narrative context, the two men shared a connection that helped anchor the performances in authenticity. This collaboration enriched the tone of the series, as the composer could tailor musical moments to the actors performances and the evolving dynamics on screen.
The interview reveals that the music in The King and the Jester is purposefully interwoven with the storytelling. Rather than serving as a backdrop, the score becomes a storytelling instrument—guiding viewers through tension, revelation, and character development. Gorshenev
approach to composition reflects a commitment to atmosphere over spectacle, ensuring that every note advances the narrative and resonates with the themes of memory, loyalty, and ambition that define the series. The result is a cohesive auditory experience where melodies feel inseparable from the plot and the world depicted on screen.
Readers can discover more about Nelidov
s insights and the process behind the show in the full interview about the making of The King and the Jester. The piece offers deeper context on how music, character, and story intersect to create a distinctive tone for the series.