The iconic theme music of Doctor Who is instantly recognizable, a swirling, otherworldly soundscape that has heralded the adventures of the Time Lord for decades. But the version we know and love wasn’t the first attempt. The original theme underwent significant transformations before it graced television screens in September 1963. This article delves into the fascinating journey of the Doctor Who Original Theme, examining the key changes made to refine it into the sonic signature of a television legend.
The initial version, crafted in August 1963, was rhythmically precise, almost mechanical in its execution. However, for the televised debut, a conscious decision was made to imbue the theme with a more organic, human feel. This involved several subtle yet impactful modifications, resulting in the Doctor Who original theme that captivated audiences and set the tone for the series.
One of the most notable alterations was to the melody itself. The delay and echo effect, prominent in the August rendition, were significantly dialed back. This adjustment brought the emphasis layer of the melody to the forefront, creating a richer, more textured sound. Furthermore, deliberate imperfections were introduced into the timing of each melodic section. This subtle manipulation, as Dick Mills of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop explained, aimed to replicate the nuances of human performance.
“It’s very easy to listen to musicians—they bring a piece of music to life by putting their own performance onto it. And although they are in rhythm 99% of the time, it is the little 1% that makes it a human being playing it and not a machine. … So when we did the Doctor Who music, we tried to creep in one or two, not wrong notes, but imperfections, like a little bit of tremolo in the tune. We may have shifted the beat slightly just to make it sound as though it was played by somebody with feeling, rather than a stitched together music job.”* (Niebur)
This quote perfectly encapsulates the intention behind the changes: to move away from a purely synthesized sound towards something more evocative and emotionally resonant. The goal was not simply to create a catchy tune, but to craft a sonic identity that would breathe life into the fantastical world of Doctor Who.
Beyond the melody, the very structure of the Doctor Who original theme was also reimagined. The August version featured a bassline solo section around the midpoint, followed by a near-complete restatement of the main melody. In contrast, the September revision took a different path. Instead of continuing with the full melody, it drew to a close at this juncture, transitioning into an extended loop of the latter half of the bassline introduction. This structural shift contributed to the theme’s distinctive and somewhat abrupt ending, further enhancing its unique character.
The edits implemented in this September version are described as notably rougher. A prime example of this can be heard in the two Melody 1 repeats that conclude the theme. While the August version seamlessly linked these sections, the televised Doctor Who original theme repeats the entire Melody 1 segment, including the bassline. This results in both sections beginning with the “G high-low dum-dum-diddy,” a deliberate repetition that adds to the slightly unconventional and intriguing nature of the music.
The Hissing Sound: A Key Component of the Original Theme
Another crucial element that underwent transformation in the September version was the rhythmic hissing, a signature element of the Doctor Who original theme. The televised version adopted a significantly different and more organic hissing structure compared to its August predecessor. It moved away from a consistent, predictable pattern to something far more dynamic and unpredictable.
In the September theme, the intro hiss was repositioned from the third and fourth bars of the bassline intro to the opening bars, immediately grabbing the listener’s attention. The hissing pattern itself became more complex and varied. It commences with a modified version of the standard eight-note hiss pattern, initiating midway through the bassline intro (2, 3, 1, 4, 1, 3, 4, 2). This is followed by a standard, unaltered eight-note hiss pattern (1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 3, 4, 2).
As Melody 1 commences, the hissing evolves further. It begins with the first six notes of the standard eight-note pattern (1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 3), before dramatically ascending in pitch with a series of rapid and diverse notes that venture beyond the typical pitch range. This effect appears to have been achieved by creating a more regular pattern (2, 4, 2, 4, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1…) and then manipulating it to bend upwards as it progresses. This upward trajectory culminates with the addition of three repeating notes at the standard level, eventually fading out with the conclusion of Melody 1 (4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2…).
With the arrival of Melody 2, a new organic and non-standard hiss pattern emerges. This pattern operates more within the standard pitch range, yet its timings are occasionally rapid and sporadic, adding to the theme’s unsettling and intriguing atmosphere. It concludes with a pattern of three trailing repeated notes, echoing the previous hiss pattern and utilizing the following sequence:
1, 2, 3, 2, 4, 1, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1,4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1…
By the end of Melody 2, the hissing sound completely ceases. It remains absent for the majority of the bridge section. However, as the bridge melody approaches its conclusion and the bassline returns to B for the first time, a new form of hissing is introduced. This pulsing hiss is characterized by a simple, repeating burst of three quick notes (3, 1+2, 2). This pulsing hiss then loops rhythmically throughout the remainder of the theme, continuing right up until the final wind bubble sound effect signals the end.
The Structure of the Televised Doctor Who Theme: A Blueprint of Innovation
[Diagram or visual representation of the theme structure could be inserted here if available]
Understanding the structure of the televised Doctor Who original theme reveals the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach taken in its creation. The changes implemented between the August and September versions were not mere tweaks; they were deliberate artistic choices that shaped the theme into the timeless piece of music we recognize today. The imperfections, the unconventional structure, and the dynamic hissing all contribute to the unique and enduring appeal of the Doctor Who original theme, ensuring its place in television history.
References
[Niebur] (Link to Niebur source if available, otherwise remove or keep as placeholder if source was intended to be added later)
