Disclaimer: This article is about Netflix’s Castlevania: Nocturne and will contain major spoilers. If you have not seen the series and do not want to be spoiled, do not read past this point.
On September 28th, 2023, Netflix and Powerhouse Animation released their newest anime series, Castlevania: Nocturne. The show is a spin-off of the 2017 animated series, Castlevania. Both series are based on the 1986 ongoing video game franchise.
What is ‘castlevania: Nocturne?
Castlevania: Nocturne is a fantasy horror anime that takes place during the French Revolution. The story follows Richter Belmont, the last direct descendent of the monster-hunting Belmont family. He fights alongside his group of revolutionaries against the local vampire aristocracy while searching for the vampire who killed his mother. It is not essential to have seen the first Castlevania series before watching Nocturne.
The show introduces all new diverse characters and an all-new cast, including Sydney James Harcourt. Harcourt is a Broadway actor, singer, and performer who received a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize for his 2020 performance in Hamilton. He plays the character of Edouard, who is a Caribbean opera singer.
Harcourt lent his speaking and singing voice for two opera pieces and an original bonus song featuring violin musician Lindsey Stirling. Each piece holds its own situational importance throughout the show, but let’s breakdown each one.
1. ‘dido’s lament’
‘Dido’s Lament (When I am laid in earth)’ was originally composed for Henry Purcell’s 1689 opera, Dido and Aeneas. In this piece, Dido mourns as she watches her love’s body float away on a flaming ship. As she dies from her grief, she asks her loved ones to remember her for the person she was.
In Nocturne, Edouard sings the second half of this song as tribute for one of the side characters’ fallen companions. Though the scene itself is beautiful, viewers were a bit put off by Harcourt’s performance. The two main songs he sings in the show are in soprano. While he has an excellent vocal range, viewers noticed some struggle in his voice.
2. ‘lamento della ninfa’
‘Lamento Della Ninfa’ was composed by Claudio Monteverdi somewhere between 1614 and 1638. The translated lyrics tell a story about an unnamed nymph who is sad about her lost love.
Edouard sings this piece while locked in a dungeon after being turned into a demon. As he sings, he laments about losing his humanity and his companions. The song also appears in the official Nocturne teaser trailer. Compared to Harcourt’s performance in ‘Dido’s Lament’, fans resonate with ‘Lamento Della Ninfa’ more. Not only is it a beautiful composition, but Harcourt’s soprano vocals greatly improve.
3. ‘i’m free (feat. lindsey stirling)’
‘I’m Free’ is a bonus track that is not featured in the official show. The message of the song is very straightforward, as it is about fighting for one’s freedom.
The lyrics take the perspective of Edouard’s friend, Annette, a former slave the French colony of Saint Domingue. She met Edouard after she escaped her plantation and the two would go on to fight the vampire aristocracy in Saint Domingue and France. ‘I’m Free’ features beautiful vocals by Harcourt and a special performance by violinist Lindsey Stirling.
All 4 seasons of Castlevania and season 1 of Castlevania: Nocturne are available on Netflix. Season 2 of Nocturne is currently in production. The official Nocturne score by Trevor Morris and Trey Troy is available on YouTube and Spotify.
Here at Mic Drop Music, we want to know your thoughts! Are you a fan of Castlevania? What did you think of the soundtrack? Let us know in the comments!
