Composer Delia Derbyshire

(5 stars; 1 reviews)

Blue Veils and Golden Sand   The story of Dr Who theme composer   Delia Derbyshire A full cast radio dramatisation by Martyn Wade - 1 episode of approx 45 minutes. One of the most colourful and interesting composers of electronic music, Delia Derbyshire was at the forefront of the development of this form, starting with a 10 year 'attachment' to the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, where she is best remembered for her major part in realising the Doctor Who theme tune. This is the story of her remarkable years before her sadly early death. In 1963, Ron Grainer was asked to compose the theme tune to the Doctor Who series that began late in that year. As part of the BBC's Radiophonic Workshop, Derbyshire developed this into the version that was then used on the original show. Ron Grainer was so amazed by her rendition of his original theme that he attempted to get her a co-composer credit, but this was prevented by BBC bureaucracy.   Derbyshire's interpretation of Grainer's theme used electronic oscillators and magnetic audio tape editing (including tape loops and reverse tape effects) to create an eerie and unearthly sound that was quite unlike anything that had been heard before. Derbyshire's original Doctor Who theme is believed to have been the first television theme to be created and produced by entirely electronic means. Directed by Cherry Cookson.   Musical advisor, arranger and composer of original music was Elizabeth Parker.   Produced by Scott Brooksbank. With: Delia Derbyshire....Sophie Thompson Anthony Newley....Stephen Critchlow Peter Kember....himself Ron Grainer....Martin Hyder

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.