"Eye Level" is a piece of music composed by Dutch composer Jan Stoeckart, who used the pseudonym Jack Trombey. It gained widespread popularity as the theme for the British television series "Van der Valk," which originally aired from 1972 to 1992. The Simon Park Orchestra recorded the most famous version of the theme.
Here are some interesting facts about "Eye Level" and the Simon Park Orchestra:
Chart Success: "Eye Level" was released as a single by the Simon Park Orchestra in 1973. The track became a commercial success and reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1973. It remains one of the few TV theme tunes to achieve such success in the charts.
Instrumental Composition: "Eye Level" is an instrumental piece featuring a distinctive melody played on the Moog synthesizer. The use of synthesizers was somewhat innovative at the time and contributed to the track's unique sound.
Named After the Composer: The piece was originally titled "Eye Level" by its composer Jack Trombey, but it became better known as the "Van der Valk Theme" due to its association with the television series.
Van der Valk TV Series: The British television series "Van der Valk" starred Barry Foster as the titular character, a Dutch detective named Commissaris Piet Van der Valk. The show was based on the novels by Nicolas Freeling and featured crime investigations set in and around Amsterdam.
Cover Versions: Over the years, "Eye Level" has been covered by various artists and used in different contexts. The tune's catchy and memorable nature has made it a popular choice for commercials, documentaries, and other media.
Moog Synthesizer: The use of the Moog synthesizer in "Eye Level" contributed to the track's futuristic and modern sound. This was during a time when synthesizers were gaining popularity in various music genres.
Legacy: "Eye Level" has endured as a classic television theme and is often associated with the nostalgic feelings of those who remember the "Van der Valk" series. It remains one of the most recognizable and successful TV theme tunes in the UK.
The success of "Eye Level" by the Simon Park Orchestra showcases how a memorable theme can transcend its original context and become a hit in its own right.