We have a collection of 17 arrangements for Murray Gold - Captain Jack Harkness - Theme
What iconic Doctor Who character is this theme associated with? Learn!
The Doctor Who theme, composed by Ron Grainer and realized by Delia Derbyshire at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in 1963, is a significant piece of electronic music history. Here are some interesting facts about the Doctor Who theme:
Pioneering Electronic Music: Delia Derbyshire's arrangement of the Doctor Who theme is considered a groundbreaking work in electronic music. She used innovative techniques and tape manipulation to create the otherworldly sound of the theme.
Analog Tape Manipulation: In the early 1960s, electronic music was still in its infancy, and there were no synthesizers as we know them today. Derbyshire and her team manipulated analog tape recordings of various sound sources to create the distinctive and iconic sound of the Doctor Who theme.
Manually Created Sound Waves: Before the widespread use of synthesizers, Derbyshire manually created sound waves by cutting and splicing segments of tape. This hands-on approach contributed to the unique and organic quality of the theme.
Time Signature Change: The Doctor Who theme features an unusual time signature change, shifting from 3/4 to 4/4, which adds to its rhythmic complexity and gives it a distinctive feel.
Influence on Electronic Music: The Doctor Who theme has had a lasting impact on electronic music, inspiring generations of musicians and composers. Its experimental and innovative nature set the stage for the development of electronic music as a genre.
Original Score vs. Electronic Realization: While Ron Grainer composed the original score, it was Delia Derbyshire and the Radiophonic Workshop team who realized it using electronic techniques. Grainer was so impressed with their work that he tried to get Derbyshire a co-composer credit, but the BBC didn't allow it at the time.
Cultural Icon: The Doctor Who theme has become a cultural icon and is instantly recognizable to fans of the long-running science fiction series. It has been reinterpreted and rearranged for each era of the show but maintains its essential character.
The Doctor Who theme is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of early electronic music pioneers and continues to be celebrated for its influence on the genre.