I do think there's room for an 'epic' arrangement of the theme, but this one seemed churned through the ubiquitous 'horn of doom'/trailer aesthetic that I don't particularly care for. Not much in terms of dynamic and harmonic exploration etc.
Oh dear. This pretty much epitomizes the style of everything I hate about modern Who - with its non-stop noise, cameras unable to keep still, scenes which last about 3 seconds and general lack of trust in writers and stories. No mystery, way over the top and not a bloody ounce of subtlety in sight. Sorry, rant over! (this is my first negative post). I'll take the smaller scale but far more mysterious and atmospheric original version anyday...
I much prefer the Ron Grainer/Delia Derbyshire original and wouldn't suggest using this arrangement anywhere other than in a concert hall but, for me, it was bold enough to be different whilst retaining the integrity of the original theme (not something that can be said about some variations/modernisations).
I often like orchestral versions of pieces that weren't written for orchestra, however in this case I feel Delia Derbyshire's original is still untouchable. This orchestration is too overblown for my liking, there needs to be more subtlety, and more attention to the original's different parts still being comfortably discernable.
Thought it was excellent. Very dramatic and yes, epic. I love the fact that the theme can be interpreted so many ways, and there is room for the more bombastic versions. Just because this can be appreciated, as a number of Murray Gold's can and the John Debney version, it doesn't stop agreement on how groundbreaking and unbeatable the original is.
As it is, this is much better than the last two Gold arrangements.
I liked the tympani starting the theme off at the beginning, and in general I liked the video, but the arrangement itself was too over the top too soon, full on choir and all. Plus, the theme didn't even get stated in straightforward form. It's like they skipped to a variation on it right away. I guess I'm not a fan either...I far prefer Murray Gold's orchestral arrangements of the theme (though I agree his post Matt Smith arrangement wasn't the greatest).
I liked the tympani starting the theme off at the beginning, and in general I liked the video, but the arrangement itself was too over the top too soon, full on choir and all. Plus, the theme didn't even get stated in straightforward form. It's like they skipped to a variation on it right away. I guess I'm not a fan either...I far prefer Murray Gold's orchestral arrangements of the theme (though I agree his post Matt Smith arrangement wasn't the greatest).
Yavar
Agreed. It sounds like a fan of Two Steps From Hell (or whatever their name is), you know the trailer music company thingie, trying to make the WHO theme sounds similar. And it fails miserably. Gold's own muscular version is much better.
But to be honest -- I don't really care for any orchestral rendition. I much rather prefer electronic versions and re-mixes.
There are soooooo many versions of this theme by now! The first recordings from back at the dawn of time are still my favorites (those on the BBC Radiophonic Workshop CDs). I love the Murray Gold arrangement from the first year reboot -- I remember being brought almost to tears by how awesome it sounded blaring from my system, coupled with the new title sequence. But the theme seems to be getting bigger/lusher with each new season these days -- and this version almost seems comical in its "largeness."
The original lean, elegantly twisty, electronic version seems to be the one I hear in my head when I think of Doctor Who -- it just captures the overall character's energy, in all of his permutations, perfectly.
There are soooooo many versions of this theme by now! The first recordings from back at the dawn of time are still my favorites (those on the BBC Radiophonic Workshop CDs). I love the Murray Gold arrangement from the first year reboot -- I remember being brought almost to tears by how awesome it sounded blaring from my system, coupled with the new title sequence. But the theme seems to be getting bigger/lusher with each new season these days -- and this version almost seems comical in its "largeness."
The original lean, elegantly twisty, electronic version seems to be the one I hear in my head when I think of Doctor Who -- it just captures the overall character's energy, in all of his permutations, perfectly.
I agree with you. That's why I prefer the re-mixes by electronca artists, like the brilliant one by Orbital:
Oh dear. This pretty much epitomizes the style of everything I hate about modern Who - with its non-stop noise, cameras unable to keep still, scenes which last about 3 seconds and general lack of trust in writers and stories. No mystery, way over the top and not a bloody ounce of subtlety in sight.
Add to that really seriously ugly lighting.
As for the epic sound, that has been SOP for a decade now in Brittania. Top gear used to do that kitsch too. Regardless how asinine the chase or topic, it would be that epic junk. Oh and don't forget sports events announcements. Rugby, football even bleedin' cricket: EPIC.
All involved should be proud of their interpretation. I do think it's "too much" for a cover of the theme, but parts of it could have a place in a particular episode's score.
An aside: One of my favorite examples of "maybe too much" is the theme Frasier Crane wrote for his own radio show in the television series "Frasier." He was supposed to compose a simple jingle, but he let it get away from him.
Oh such cranky negativity and killjoyness. I enjoyed it for what it was: an affectionate take on a classic theme. Obviously a labor of love, the energy and talent involved was wonderful. Well done.
It takes more muscles to smile than to frown... My face got a workout.
