How ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Distinguishes Between the Four Nations in the Netflix Series
Discover how the Netflix series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ uses different musical elements to represent the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Air Nomads, and Fire Nation.
Distinguishing the Four Nations: A Musical Journey in ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Netflix Series
In the Netflix series adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ the composer Takeshi Furukawa explores how the show distinguishes between the four nations through its music. Drawing inspiration from Pan-Asian traditional influences, Furukawa and the original series composer, Jeremy Zuckerman, aimed to infuse these influences into the score. However, Furukawa took a slightly different approach, relying more on orchestral arrangements with a 60% orchestra and 40% traditional influence ratio compared to Zuckerman’s 80% traditional influence and 20% Western orchestral instruments.
( Credit to: Comicbook )
Furukawa’s goal was to create a rich and diverse musical landscape that aligns with the world of Avatar by incorporating specific elements from different Asian cultures. By doing so, he aimed to distinguish and differentiate the musical tones of each nation. In this article, we will explore how Furukawa accomplished this and how the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Air Nomads, and Fire Nation each have their own unique musical representation in the Netflix series.
Influences from Pan-Asian Traditional Music and Beyond
The world of Avatar draws heavily from Pan-Asian traditional influences, both in terms of world-building and music. Furukawa and Zuckerman aimed to infuse these influences into the score, but Furukawa relied more on orchestral arrangements for the new series. With a 60% orchestra and 40% traditional influence ratio, he incorporated specific musical elements to represent each nation.
Furukawa found inspiration in the pan-Asian diaspora and drew from specific cultures to represent each kingdom. For example, the Earth Kingdom and Omashu had distinct musical characteristics influenced by a particular region in Asia. Similarly, Kyoshi Island and the Fire Nation had their own unique sounds. Viewers may recognize these cultural influences while watching episodes three and four.
The Water Tribes: First Nation and Ainu Influences
The Water Tribes in ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ were influenced by First Nation cultures, particularly the Ainu tribe from Japan’s northern region. Furukawa explained that the music of the Water Tribes incorporated elements from both First Nation and Ainu cultures, further differentiating them from the other nations.
By infusing these cultural influences into the music of the Water Tribes, Furukawa aimed to create a distinct and recognizable sound that represents their unique identity in the series.
Representing the Earth Kingdom, Air Nomads, and Fire Nation
Just as the Earth Kingdom, Air Nomads, and Fire Nation have their own distinct cultures and characteristics in ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ Furukawa wanted their music to reflect this diversity. The Earth Kingdom and Omashu draw influences from a specific region in Asia, while Kyoshi Island and the Fire Nation have their own unique sounds.
Through careful composition and incorporation of cultural influences, Furukawa was able to create musical representations that capture the essence of each nation in the Netflix series.
A Rich and Diverse Musical Landscape in the Netflix Series
The Netflix series adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ has received positive feedback from fans, and one of the elements contributing to its success is the distinct musical representation of the four nations. Takeshi Furukawa, the composer, used a combination of orchestral arrangements and specific cultural influences to create a rich and diverse musical landscape that aligns with the world of Avatar.
By distinguishing between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Air Nomads, and Fire Nation through their unique musical tones, Furukawa has brought a new level of depth and authenticity to the Netflix series.