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Doom Music
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Message 1.Â
Posted by Leaping Badger (U3587940) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
I don't remember the Doom Music, but it is often talked about fondly here.
Now, here's a link to a full version of Barwick Green. Could some kindly soul please point out which bit of it is the Doom Music (e.g.: 'starts at 1 minute 43 seconds and lasts for 20 seconds'). It all seems so irredeemably upbeat that I can't imagine any of it being used for Doom scenarios.
Thanks in advance. Trebles all round and all that.
'Ö' -
Message 2
Posted by Mabel Bagshawe (U2222589) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:11 GMT, in reply to Leaping Badger in message 1
Ahh - the memories. It's from abuot 2:29 in, when it starts the tum tum tum tum tiddlle iddle um bit, right to the end with the bells -
Message 3
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
I think that's just Doom-lite at 2.29, Mabel. Proper, Great Aunt Ada Doom starts at 3.00.
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Message 4
Posted by RosieT (U2224719) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
I'd call the first nine seconds the Doom beginning:
and agree with Mabel
dum dum dum dum diddle diddle dum !
dum dum dum dum diddle diddle dum !
dum dum dum dum
dum dum dum dum
etc as she done it. -
Message 5
Posted by Leaping Badger (U3587940) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
Blimey, doesn't sound very doom-laden to me. But thanks, all, at least I now know what people are talking about.
'Ö' -
Message 6
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
You'd be surprised, young Badger. After weeks, on end, of the usual tune to lull one, a burst of Doom Music would frighten the beejeesus out of one.
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Message 7
Posted by Mabel Bagshawe (U2222589) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:11 GMT, in reply to The Vintner's Driver in message 6
That version isn't as doomy as the old Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú one - I'm convinced there were church bells at the end. It was played at quite a volume too -
Message 8
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
>That version isn't as doomy as the old Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú one<
I'm fairly certain that wasn't the original arrangement/orchestration too, Mabel. -
Message 9
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
Talking of Doom Music; this never fails to make me smile:
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Message 10
Posted by Spartacus (U38364) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:50 GMT, in reply to The Vintner's Driver in message 8
I'm fairly certain that wasn't the original arrangement/orchestration too, Mabel.Â
As wasn't this: -
Message 11
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Thursday, 5th February 2009
Brilliant, Peet!
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Message 12
Posted by Campbell-in-Clogs (U8123405) on Friday, 6th February 2009
Ooh, the archers is apparantly not cool up the you tube! Anyway, thanks for the link - it led me to this one of a bull terrier howling along to the theme tune which had me weeping with laughter - off to post it up the dog club now.
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Message 13
Posted by theImprobablyNamed (U7123337) on Friday, 6th February 2009
Can anyone remember when it was banned? Was it when they re-recorded the theme tune? Or after the loss of the medium wave frequency? It certainly frightened you (the first time I probably ran crying downstairs to my mother - what was wrong, why had they done this strange music?)- the death of Dan Archer was the last time I remember it. I think I have it on an old cassette somewhere (really, honestly - "Just be a good girl Elizabeth" [last words as heaving sheep out of ditch, followed by DOOM music] ... now to load it up on to Youtube. No wait, I don't have time to do this as I do actually have a life!(and have not got cassette to USB kit).
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Message 14
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Friday, 6th February 2009
>Can anyone remember when it was banned?<
As I understand it the Blessed Vanessa didn't like the DM and it hasn't been played during her reign. -
Message 15
Posted by _ShropshireLad_ (U10844552) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:28 GMT, in reply to The Vintner's Driver in message 14
I've listened to the YouTube version that Leaps posted several times, and I'm getting confused now. On the one hand, the beginning of that version sounds more like the old mono recording, but on the other the doom portion is definitely not right.
I'm sure you used to get the latter portion more often than just on fatal occasions as well, the continuity person just let it run until the second hand came round IIRC.
And I'm not talking about when Grace died, seventies and eighties.
Or is it my incipient Alzheimer's again, Peggoi, I can see a parrot.... -
Message 16
Posted by RosieT (U2224719) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
reply to ShropshireLad1965
Oh, yes, I remember tremendous Doom Music when Doris went round a corner with her pony and trap "Oh! Doris! /Look/ /out/!" - I was convinced she had had IT - but the next day it was barely mentioned. -
Message 17
Posted by Leaping Badger (U3587940) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
I think this should be the new Doom Music:
'Ö' -
Message 18
Posted by Spartacus (U38364) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:41 GMT, in reply to Leaping Badger in message 17
Isn't that the SFX of Chris Carter shoeing Spearmint? -
Message 19
Posted by _ShropshireLad_ (U10844552) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:36 GMT, in reply to Leaping Badger in message 17
Send not to know... -
Message 20
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
The current version of the theme was used from 1992, and the "doom" has not been heard since - indeed before that the tune was played for variable lengths at the end of the programme, so one heard different bits if there was time. Since 92 it's always a standard length.
I don't think it is a different orchestration, but the balance is certainly different - the flutes are heard more clearly at the beginning of the prog - and it's slower and more leisurely - not energetic as a maypole dance should be. This must affect the dominant preparation before the final reprise of the main theme (aka "doom") which needs a bit of oomph behind it.... (And it's cymbals rather than church belles at the end, isn't it?)
Maybe the "doom" will be heard again under the next script editor (if TA hasn't been destroyed from within by then!) -
Message 21
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
<...after the loss of the medium wave frequency?>
Wasn't that 1993? -
Message 22
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
>I don't think it is a different orchestration, but the balance is certainly different<
IIRC the theme was re-recorded because the old one was in mono but that the original orchestration and arrangement was adhered to as closely as possible. I think the clarity of the flutes etc is a product of improved recording techniques. -
Message 23
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
Thanks, Driver....
But the tempo is certainly less vigorous, I think....
I wonder what the marking is on the score.... -
Message 24
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
>But the tempo is certainly less vigorous, I think<
I'm inclined to agree with you, Afan, although the memory can play tricks, of course. I wonder if the old version suffered a speed change owing to the mechanical/analogue means of reproduction. You'd need someone with the score and perfect pitch to sort that one out, I imagine. -
Message 25
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
Would listening to the old version on the CD "Great British Experience" help at all....?
Has anyone heard the "doom" on the Yetties (Sun ominibus) version btw....? -
Message 26
Posted by _ShropshireLad_ (U10844552) on Saturday, 7th February 2009
Sat, 07 Feb 2009 23:38 GMT, in reply to Afan Argoll in message 25
OK chaps, I never got past any grade 3 music, so you'll have to help me out here.
But the reprise of the theme at the end of Leap's YouTube clip is *not* the doom music as I remember it.
It's all wrong, the key change is an 'up-mood' one rather than the other way, I can't put this into words properly, cause I'm such a crap musician.
But maybe somebody can help me out. -
Message 27
Posted by mike (U2254029) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:19 GMT, in reply to theImprobablyNamed in message 13
"Just be a good girl Elizabeth" [last words as heaving sheep out of ditch, followed by DOOM music]Â
The sheep was in the middle of a field, not a ditch. I remember this episode very well and (according to my memory) the doom music was not played on that occasion (there was silence).
I always hated the doom music and I hope never to hear it again. -
Message 28
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
The main theme appears three times in the full version of Barwick Green. The first statement is the theme as heard at the start of the programme, this is followed by a light, dancelike episode, never (since I started listening in 1970) heard in full on the air. The second statement is the more fully-orchestrated statement heard at the end of each programme, followed by a longer episode, until 1992 quite fully heard. This is followed by a final statement given by full orhestra leading to a momentous final cadence, as befits the close of the entire "my native heath" cycle. This once closed all the most dramatic TA insalments, giving a sense of completion. It was the few bars leading up to that third and final statement of the theme that have earned the nickname "doom music" not because of any inherent musical content, imo, but because of association with (melo) dramatic context. The bars do, however, generate a cumulative sense of expectation before the final reprise, therefore reflecting well a moment of tension, leading into a satisfying and full statement of the theme, thus being an effective "de-brief" and return to our humdrum daily routine....
(looking forward to its ultimate re-instatement...) -
Message 29
Posted by _ShropshireLad_ (U10844552) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:45 GMT, in reply to Afan Argoll in message 28
Ta. -
Message 30
Posted by Doctor Darling (U10735496) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Feel really deprived as I don't think I've ever heard the doom music. Was obviously not a dedicated enough listener pre-1992.
Quite like the idea of a special theme for particularly earth shattering moments.
Don't wish to cause you pain though, mike. (Helpfully) Perhaps you could put your fingers in your ears and go "La la la etc"? -
Message 31
Posted by mike (U2254029) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:24 GMT, in reply to Doctor_Darling in message 30
's OK, I could put up with it if it's not on more than once a year, and if it makes other people happy ... -
Message 32
Posted by Doctor Darling (U10735496) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Ooh! Hurrah! I think once a year would be about right or it would lose its impact.
Sweet of you, Mike. -
Message 33
Posted by Leaping Badger (U3587940) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
I personally have no desire to hear it used during the programme - it would seem to me to be a rather clunky way to tell us "something terrible has happened", rather than letting us make up our own minds - but was curious to know what it sounded like when it was used, as many people refer to it fondly.
Thanks for all the replies. I think I know sort of vaguely know what it might perhaps have sounded like. Or not.
'Ö' -
Message 34
Posted by Doctor Darling (U10735496) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Mumble... S'only'd be once a year; some of us need all the help we can get, clunky or otherwise.....
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Message 35
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
How about twice a year - that seems like a reasonable compromise!
(not that I listen any more - since 25.5.07 - but it would be nice to see the expressions of pleasure on these boards....) -
Message 36
Posted by _ShropshireLad_ (U10844552) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:49 GMT, in reply to Afan Argoll in message 35
not that I listen any more - since 25.5.07Â
Err, what happened then, then? -
Message 37
Posted by Elnora Cornstalk (U5646495) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
It sounded like a thundersheet - corrugated iron being solemnly and loudly rattled, and it struck at the heart. On these occasions, to be fair to the production team, I don't think we were being told, exactly. It signalled one of those Shakespearean moments where the world stands in awe at the universal horror. You know.. the kind of thing, Octavius misses at the death of Anthony:
'The breaking of so great a thing should make /
A greater crack: the round world /
Should have shook lions into civil streets,/
And citizens to their dens: the death of Antony / Is not a single doom'
Except in TA, it happened.
HtH, Elnora -
Message 38
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Jennifer lost any remaining shreds of credibility - with such a gothic situation at Home Farm now very installment coming from there should feature the "doom music"... -
Message 39
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
A sort of swirling quality as the music struggles to return to the home key and the home theme.... -
Message 40
Posted by Doctor Darling (U10735496) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
It sounded like a thundersheet - corrugated iron being solemnly and loudly rattled, and it struck at the heart.Â
Oh, Elnora!
I do have the most acute yen for it now!
And no facetious remarks about having some ointment for it from anyone, please: "tread softly because you tread on my dreams". -
Message 41
Posted by petal jam (U1466691) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:54 GMT, in reply to Elnora Cornstalk in message 37
Oh I think you might be overstating the impact here, Elnora [just a little.] Th version I remember is played at volume right at the end, not faded in gradually, and was heavier on the trombones than the version on Utube. So what you got was a fortissimo burst of lower brass descending, probably /marcato/.
I think the effect was what you might call portentous. [Or melodramatic according to taste.] -
Message 42
Posted by Leaping Badger (U3587940) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Pretentious. OK, I think I've got it now.
'Ö' -
Message 43
Posted by Elnora Cornstalk (U5646495) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Doctor Darling (#40). Since then we've had trailers. That echoing effect is a pale echo - the doom in advance?
petal jam. 'portentous' / 'melodramatic'. Yes, both, I think. I'm trying to remember whether such episodes always happened on a Friday, so that the music reverberated all weekend until we were allowed back into Ambridge on Monday evening. (Did the omnibus repeat it?) -
Message 44
Posted by petal jam (U1466691) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:43 GMT, in reply to Elnora Cornstalk in message 43
Can't remember that, Elnora. I think cliffhangers were always midweek so that listeners could have a stress-free / anti-climactic Sunday.
re the music: after a discussion with offspring on /marcato/ technique I think it might have been strings playing /pesante/ . Technically he now outranks me on formal Music qualifications. His first trumpet mind you was a joy to hear. -
Message 45
Posted by Elnora Cornstalk (U5646495) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
In reply to message 44
Now that really would be something I'd have enjoyed hearing on YouTube, petal j. I'm afraid I have neither musical talents nor expertise, but rely on OH to help me 'hear' details. (I haven't involved him in the Doom Music discussions.)
On the 'cliff-hanger' tradition. I wonder if it was about the time the Sunday episode came in that the Doom music went out: all part of the same period of refurbishment on TA. -
Message 46
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
< I wonder if it was about the time the Sunday episode came in that the Doom music went out:>
Not really, the new recording of the signature tune came in in 1992 ("doom" music gone by then) whereas the shortening of episodes to 12.5 mins and introduction of an extra Sunday evening installment was part and parcel of the iniquitous James Boyle Radio 4 changes of 1998.... -
Message 47
Posted by The Vintneres Driver (U5034590) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
My, albeit probably entirely erroneous, recolection was that cliffhangers occurred on Thursday nights to save people from the perils of the Demon Alcohol on Friday nights. It is entirely possible I've confused Lord Reith and the Salvation Army in my, not inconsiderably, confused mind.
-
Message 48
Posted by _ShropshireLad_ (U10844552) on Monday, 9th February 2009
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:03 GMT, in reply to petal jam in message 41
Th version I remember is played at volume right at the end, not faded in gradually, and was heavier on the trombones than the version on Utube. So what you got was a fortissimo burst of lower brass descending, probably /marcato/. Â
Yes, that's what I was trying to burble about before, in my incoherent fashion. "It was a parrot, Piggoi, really..." -
Message 49
Posted by mike (U2254029) on Monday, 9th February 2009
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:41 GMT, in reply to ShropshireLad1965 in message 48
But does some dramatic point in the programme really need this ludicrous musical underlining? I think the silences work much better ... -
Message 50
Posted by Afan Argoll (U11565445) on Monday, 9th February 2009
Silences are for deaths. (cf Grace 1955) - the music is for ludicrous dramatic points in the programme.
Besides which, how frustrating to hear the start of a piece of music so many times, but never hear its conclusion....!
(not that I ever hear it now, except a snatch by accident....)
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