La Piovra (soundtrack)

La Piovra (soundtrack) refers to the musical scores composed for the Italian television drama series La Piovra (translated as "The Octopus"). The series, which aired from 1984 to 2001, chronicled the fight against the Mafia in Italy.

The most iconic and widely recognized score from the series was composed by Riz Ortolani for the first season in 1984. This initial theme is characterized by its mournful, operatic quality and its use of strings and a distinctive soprano voice. It quickly became synonymous with the series and its themes of corruption, loss, and the relentless struggle against organized crime.

Subsequent seasons featured different composers, each bringing their own interpretations to the musical landscape of La Piovra. Ennio Morricone scored La Piovra 2 (1985) and La Piovra 3 (1987), building upon the established atmosphere but introducing his signature style with its distinctive instrumentation and melodic sensibility. Other composers who contributed to the soundtrack across the series include Francesco De Gregori (who contributed the song "La Donna Cannone" to La Piovra 4), and Paolo Buonvino.

The music of La Piovra played a crucial role in establishing the tone and enhancing the emotional impact of the series. The various scores are often credited with contributing significantly to the show's popularity and its lasting cultural impact in Italy and internationally. The soundtracks, particularly the Ortolani and Morricone scores, have been released as standalone albums and remain popular among fans of the series and soundtrack enthusiasts.