National Geographic thinks Lorne Balfe has more Genius left in him. (Photo: Eduardo Parra / Film Magic, background; Kevin Winter / Wire Image, Balfe)

Emmy-nominated composer Lorne Balfe is once again channeling Genius for National Geographic, which has brought him back for season two of its popular historical drama. The sophomore effort focuses on Spanish painter Pablo Picasso (played by Antonio Banderas, and in early years by Alex Rich).

In addition to writing the score for the premiere season Genius, examining Albert Einstein’s life, Balfe co-composed the theme with Hans Zimmer, resulting in a 2017 Emmy nomination for outstanding original main theme music. Balfe also created music for Netflix’s The Crown and is currently in London recording his original composition for Paramount’s July feature release Mission Impossible — Fallout.

Season two of Genius explores Picasso’s youth and his adulthood, exploring his rejection of traditional painting as he finds his own unique voice against a backdrop of the rise of fascism in Spain. To emphasize the drama, Balfe created an intensely strong and foreboding score.

“Picasso once said, ‘Music and art are the guiding lights of the world,’” Balfe said by way of explaining his inspiration for the assignment. “When I started writing the score for the new season, I filled the walls of my studio with prints of Picasso’s art. Although, we will never know the soundtrack that was in his head when created those masterpieces, I wanted the music to illustrate the vibrant colors and abstract scenes he created and reflect his love of music which was part of the artist.”

Balfe this year also continues co-composing the for the third season of Netflix’s The Crown alongside Rupert Gregson-Williams. Season three cover the years 1964-76 of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.  A frequent collaborator of maestro Hans Zimmer (Sherlock Homes, Inception), the two teamed memorably on 2008′s The Dark Knight, for which Balfe provided music and was score producer, earning he and Zimmer a Grammy Award for best score soundtrack album for a motion picture.

His work was recently heard on the Universal Pictures March release Pacific Rim: Uprising.

Season two of Genius premiered April 24. It is written and directed by Kenneth Biller. The Genius score album is available digitally on Milan Records.