We have a collection of 17 arrangements for Murray Gold - Doctor Who Theme
Did you know Murray Gold's Doctor Who theme revitalized orchestral TV scoring in the 21st century? Learn!
The "Doctor Who" theme is an iconic piece of music that has become synonymous with the long-running British science fiction television series. Here are some interesting facts about the "Doctor Who" theme:
Composer: The original theme was composed by Ron Grainer. However, the actual electronic realization of the theme was done by Delia Derbyshire, a pioneering electronic musician at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in 1963.
Electronic Innovation: Derbyshire created the theme using cutting-edge electronic music techniques of the time, including manually manipulating tape recordings to achieve the desired sounds. It was a groundbreaking and innovative piece of electronic music.
Time Signatures: The theme is known for its distinctive time signature, featuring a 5/4 rhythm, which was unconventional for TV theme music at the time. This contributed to the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere of the piece.
Evolution of the Theme: Over the years, the "Doctor Who" theme has undergone several arrangements and updates, reflecting changes in musical styles and technology. Each new Doctor often brings a slightly different version of the theme.
Cult Status: The "Doctor Who" theme has gained a cult status and is instantly recognizable to fans of the show. It's one of the most famous TV theme tunes in the world.
Cover Versions: The theme has been covered and reinterpreted by various artists over the years. Some notable versions include those by Orbital and The KLF.
Influence on Electronic Music: The original "Doctor Who" theme is considered a significant influence on the development of electronic music, particularly in the realm of science fiction and fantasy soundtracks.
No Musical Notation: Delia Derbyshire created the theme without any musical notation. She manually spliced together bits of tape to create the sounds, and the resulting composition had to be recreated from the tapes rather than from written music.
The "Doctor Who" theme continues to be a vital part of the show's identity, evolving with each new incarnation of the Doctor and contributing to the overall atmosphere of time travel and adventure in the series.