Delia Derbyshire vs. John Williams

[Danny Stewart]

Originally Posted by Ross Hendrie

No-ones disputing the fact that both themes rock, but I just think that the SW theme seems a bit better.

That's sad. The Star Wars theme is just a bunch of instruments played together to make something that sounds remotely stirring. Personally, I don't like the tune, and I don't think it is in the least bit emotionally stirring or anything of the sort, but that's just me. The Doctor Who theme is something new, and the simplicity of the bassline with that original haunting melody is something that will never be beat. Its simplicity adds to its greatness -- something the Star Wars theme cannot even attempt to compete with.

Originally Posted by David Carter

Danny, It was not meant as a response to what you said. In SW and the TOS movies, they could have easily gone with music that sounded futuristic, but instead, they went the other way, and Williams made great music that sounded classical (A genre that is rarely used in film/tv). You can brush this off and say its just my opinion, but that's exactly what it is. My opinion. And IMO, Williams is better than Delia Derbyshire. I dont care if you do not agree. In fact, I know that you do not agree. But at least accept that these are my views. Nothing you can do or say can change them. I feel more emotion in Williams' themes. I guess im just a band person. I've been in band, I've played Williams' songs. To me, they are some of the greatest pieces that have been made.

I see your point, and I acknowledge what you're trying to say. And you're welcome to keep your opinion (believe me, I don't want it). I'm just saying that Delia Derbyshire is the only one who does what she does (or did, since she's dead now), whereas John Williams is one person who excels at what thousands of other people are doing. The underdog and the creative deviant will always be the one that commands my respect above someone who has a unique way of doing a tried and true art.

[Chris Britton]

I understand your point David. I can appreciate what both people did and they both did well, Delia Derbyshire was good at her metods, john Williams was good at his, and i think they both made great music. the Doctor Who Theme was simple, but it works, it is good and catchy, why is something i like, it goes to show how the simplist of things can usually work, it has depth and suits it genre, and is very popular and recognisable.. While John Williams can use a complex and fascinating array of people, instruments and techniques to create a deep, fascinating and dramatic peice which is one of the most popular tunes of the day.

[Danny Stewart]

*is blown away*

Wow. Nice post, Chris.

[Chris Britton]

Thanks, It is just worth poiting out that both methods worked, and no-one can deny the tunes are good and very popular, because of what was used ot make them. And we should apprecaite John Williams and Delia Derbyshire for making something that a lot of people find entertaining.

[Danny Stewart]

Well said. I still find it amazing, though, that over forty years later, you still can't quite put your finger on how Delia Derbyshire made her version of the theme. It's got that magical quality that allows the 1963 original to remain a timeless classic, while other versions such as the 1987 version (while 24 years newer) sounds dated and stale nowadays.

[Chris Britton]

Yeah, nothing beats an origanal anyway. i am amzed at how she did it and i am still impressed.

[Danny Stewart]

Yes. Some people on here should learn from your example...

[Chris Britton]

I am not a Tutor Although i wish we all had a neutral point of view. It makes things so much easier to agree on

[Danny Stewart]

True. But more boring, as well.

[Chris Britton]

Yeah of course, good point.

[David Carter]

Do you know how hard it is to organize a giant group of talented musicians and practice and practice the newly written music that no one has ever heard before?

How bout how much practice it takes to take that ^ and sound good?

I dont know about you Chris, but I know Danny hasnt been in band, or a band. I think that's why the other music appeals to you more, Danny. I, on the other hand, was in band for about 7 years, so I find more respect for that type of thing.

[Danny Stewart]

If you're going to play the "I don't understand how hard it is to do band stuff" card, I'm going to play the "you don't understand how hard it was to make the original Doctor Who theme" card. I may not have been in a band, but don't you dare take that to mean I don't understand or appreciate the work that it takes to put something like that together. I completely respect the competence and talent of people in that field, and I'm not trying to downplay the work or value of regular and traditional music like that, I'm simply trying to play up the unique quality of music that's not made like that... music that has to have new techniques invented for it because that's how complicated and unique it really is.

[Chris Britton]

I have not been in a band David, I just have a neutral Opinion on this, i like both types. Simple as that.

[Danny Stewart]

Fair enough. Chris has a good attitude about the situation.

[Ross Hendrie]

I still maintain that both themes rock. I dont think the Doctor Who theme was the better of the two though. Even though it would be harder to make and all that and they managed to pull it off, I still think that the SW theme sounds better.

[Danny Stewart]

Can't possibly agree there. The Star Wars theme may be grand, but the Doctor Who theme is spine-tinglingly chilling and haunting. Few other pieces of music are able to rival that.

[Chris Britton]

I think Danny, What Ross has said is quite good. he likes both peices of music, no arguement there. That is good enough for me. He likes both, he thinks they are good, He just prefers the Star Wars tune. now i am not bashing Doctor Who, or you for that matter Danny I think you should be happy that he respects it and likes it. it does nto matter what we prefer and how we feel about it, as Long as we like it, That should be all that matters.

[Max Yittreas]

I've heard the original theme, and... well, no need to rehash that. I'm sticking to ol' Johnny Williams.

[Ross Hendrie]

Im not bashing Doc Who if that's what you're thinking Danny.

[Chris Britton]

Yes, no-one is, they like them both, just prefer Star Wars.