12X MMI-4 Doctor Who - Variations on a theme by Ron Grainer


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Picture of 12inches Doctor Who - Variations on a theme (Ron Grainer)

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Release pictures

Front cover
Picture of 12X MMI-4 Doctor Who - Variations on a theme by artist Ron Grainer from the BBC records and Tapes library
Rear cover
Picture of 12X MMI-4 Doctor Who - Variations on a theme by artist Ron Grainer from the BBC records and Tapes library

Label
Metro Music International label</div><br class=

Release details

DetailValue
Catalogue number12X MMI-4
TitleDoctor Who - Variations on a theme
Artist(s)Ron Grainer
Cover conditionNear mint
Record conditionVery Good Plus
Item deleted?Yes
Released1988
Distributed / printed byEMI
Country of originUK UK flag
FormatLimited edition
Media typePrimary
Media genreDramas - Sci-fi
View all other tracks listed as Dramas - Sci-fi.
Run-off codes / Shop bar codes12 XMMI 4 A-1U-1-1
12 XMMI 4 B-1U-1-1
My rating*****
Guest rating*****

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Number have1
What type of seller was used?Other online shop
Where can I buy this release?You may be able to purchase this release from the following websites (others are available!)
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All release pictures

Below is all the cover (front, back, middle and inserts if applicable) and label pictures I have for this release.
Front cover
Front cover of 12X MMI-4
Back cover
Back cover of 12X MMI-4
Label
Label Label

Tracks

Below is a list of tracks for this release.
Side & trackTrack and ArtistLength
A1Doctor Who - Mood version [Arranged by Mark Ayres]3.10
A2Doctor Who - Terror Version [Arranged by Dominic Glynn]4.15
B1Doctor Who - Latin version [Arranged by Keff McCulloch]6.39
B2Panopticon Eight - Regeneration mix [Arranged by Mark Ayres]5.36
Total length of media 19:40.

Reviews

Below is my review for this release and the ratings.
A good entry, I will include a full review asap!
Ratings
My rating3
Guest ratingCurrent average value is 3.

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Extra notes on cover, middle (gatefold sleeve) and any inserts

On 23rd November 1963, a legend was born. The World was still reeling from the assassination of President Kennedy, as Ron Grainer's evocative and haunting theme was heard for the first time on British Television to herald a new series entitled 'Doctor Who'.

Now, some 26 years later, the theme survives, generating excitement, anticipation and suspense for many millions of viewers around the World.

I have recently been looking back at some of the early episodes of 'Doctor Who' and apart from the title of the programme, only two things have remained constant throughout the mammoth run of the World's longest running science fiction series - the police box shaped TARDIS and Mr Grainer's theme tune.

Although the theme tune has been updated over the years, each version has retained much of the mystery that surrounds 'Doctor Who'. (Although I know only too well that many aficionados view the original as unsurpassable.)

What we have here are four versions of the theme arranged and executed by three of 'Doctor Who's' more recent incidental music composers. I am thrilled and delighted that in all three instances I have been instrumental in starting off their careers.

Mark Ayres, who wrote the score 'The greatest show in the galaxy'. 'The curse of Fenric' and 'Ghostlight', has arranged an intriguing version which was first heard at the 1988 Doctor Who Appreciation Society Convention.

This is followed by an action packed version by Dominic Glynn. Before engaging Dominic to compose the execute incidental music for 'Doctor Who', we exchanged a lengthy correspondence. From Dominic's side this consisted of lengthy letters criticising the incidental music at the time and saying that he was convinced he could do better. Eventually I called his bluff and I admit that I was delighted with the results. Dominic's 'Doctor Who' credits include an earlier signature tune arrangement and incidental music for 'Dragonfire'. 'The happiness patrol' and 'Survival'.

This is followed by an intriguingly witty Latin American version, again composed specially for the 1988 DWAS Convention, by Keff McCulloch, - a version, which for me, conjures up visions of a 'Come Dancing' team invading the TARDIS! Keff's first journey into the World of 'Doctor Who' was in order to update the signature tune for Television - a version we still use today. He also wrote the score of 'Time and the Rani', 'Delta and the Bannermen', 'Remembrance of the Daleks', 'Silver nemesis' and 'Battlefield'.

Finally, Mark Ayres supplies yet another version, doubtless influenced by the haunting atmosphere of 'The flight of the condor', especially written for the 1987 DWAS Convention.

Just as all three composers are very different as individuals, so their versions differ greatly. However, one thing is sure, each version is fascinating just as I hope our viewers consider the programme today.

To the three composers, my congratulations - you have achieved the impossible - an entertaining mix of arrangements whilst retaining the essence of the original.

John Nathan-Turner.

Producer 'Doctor Who'.

1979-1989.

Further information

Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC since 1963. The programme depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called "the Doctor", an extraterrestrial being, to all appearances human, from the planet Gallifrey. The Doctor explores the universe in a time-travelling space ship called the TARDIS. Its exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Accompanied by a number of companions, the Doctor combats a variety of foes while working to save civilisations and help people in need.

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This page was last updated on 07-01-2023 at 22:23:18 UK local time.

This record has been seen 884 times since 20th May, 2017.