As Doctor Who returns to our television screens, what better time than to look back on the incredible music from the Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat eras, composed by Murray Gold. My guest blogger today, who delves into this here, is my Twitter friend, @thedrewseph. |
Just like the composer John Williams is known for his signature work on 'Star Wars', Gold's musical direction has been seen as a huge staple to the success of the popular British science fiction series since it's return in '05. Having worked previously with Russell T Davies on several other projects (before 'Doctor Who'), he seemed like the perfect fit for the series return. Ever since then, fans of the show have always been able to look forward to the series music as a sort of added companion along for the ride with them.
He's lent his talents to creating some of the most iconic pieces of music from the show's recent history.
Gold is responsible for creating multiple themes associated with a ride range of elements of the show, such as themes for The Doctor ("The Doctor's Theme", "The Doctor Forever", "I Am The Doctor" and "A Madman With A Box"), Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, Donna Noble, Amy Pond, River Song, Clara Oswald, Gallifrey, The Master, the Silurians, the Daleks, and the Cybermen. Not only that, but he was even lucky enough to do the respective themes on both the 'Doctor Who' spin-offs 'The Sarah Jane Adventures' and 'Torchwood'.
Murray Gold has made us all feel a wide range of emotions over the course of his time on the BBC series, but none were more felt as he made his departure as the series music director before the start of Series Eleven this past year. While many discussions have been had over what makes a show so great, it's abundantly clear that with the legacy of Doctor Who must live on the scores and soundtracks we've all loved so much.
The series music has always resonated a lot with people, and it's surely brought us all together from many different walks of life. Something I know The Doctor would be proud to know after all these years. Music can be uplifting, inspiring, sad, happy, or even heroic. There's a song out there for everyone, you just need to listen long enough to find it.
Murray Gold's thought provoking pieces can heard through out space and time, and has been collected for people to enjoy through soundtracks. Silva Screen released several compilations of music from the first and second series, entitled Doctor Who: Original Television Soundtrack, Doctor Who: Original Television Soundtrack – Series 3, Doctor Who: Original Television Soundtrack – Series 4, and Doctor Who: Original Television Soundtrack – Series 5. Funnily enough, he has also made a brief cameo in the show itself (wearing a fake moustache) in the 2007 Christmas special "Voyage of the Damned". |
Additional music from the 2008–2010 specials was released, titled Doctor Who: Original Television Soundtrack – Series 4: The Specials.
- Editor's note: "We mustn't forget my all-time favourite, The Shepherd's Boy.