The Expression of Music. Review on Twenty Best TV / Movie Themes

When we talk about theme music, a lot of options spring up. There can be a theme for a movie, which comes at strategic points in the film. There can be a television title, composed to attract the audience to the show. There can be a theme for a certain character. Why, there can even be just a sound for the character, like the sound effect for Gabbar Singh in Sholay, or for Shakuni in the TV serial Mahabharat.

Having worked as a background music composer for TV serials, I am always in the middle of theme musics. Composing such music pieces have made me more alert to the themes I listen to! Given below are my takes on which I feel were fantastic creations of some brilliant musical minds. So here goes.

SHOLAY (Film- Hindi)

(Music: R.D.Burman)

Undoubtedly, the theme for Sholay deserves the top spot in my list. The music starts with the guitar, and takes us through the village of Ramgadh. The use of authentic folk instruments like the maadal and ravanhatta is superb.

THE SWORD OF TIPU SULTAN (TV title)

(Music: Naushad)

It was majestic. I remember that we used to switch on the TV as soon as we heard those regal notes in some neighbourhood. The music perfectly depicted the pomp and glory of India in those times, when the king was the sole power.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Film- English- Western)

(Music: Ennio Morricone)

This is one theme which cannot be forgotten by anyone. The unusual sounds give you a masterpiece. Truly, a legendary theme music!

DR.ZIVAGO (Film- English)

(Music: Maurice Jarre)

Famous in the music circles as Lala's theme, this music has a unique quality. It can go with any mood. You are feeling lonely? Or emotional? Or frustrated? Or romantic? Or joyous? Or sad? Try this for company!

KARZ (Film- Hindi)

(Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal)

I heard this guitar theme way back in 1982. Since then, it has haunted me. What a piece! Truly, the genius of Laxmikant-Pyarelal could be experienced in this master tune.

THE RK THEME (RK productions)

(Music: Raj Kapoor himself?)

I do not know who made this theme, but it graced every RK banner film. This is probably the only theme which is not for any particular film or character. It is the theme of the production house. The unique notes of the accordion were arranged by all the music directors who worked some time or the other under the prestigious banner of Raj Kapoor. However, I loved this theme the most in the film Bobby, when Bobby makes her first entry in Rajababa's house.

THE TRAIN (Film- Hindi)

(Music: R.D.Burman)

This may be a new theme for many readers. It comes in the background whenever the movie shows any important shot, especially the chase. The voice of Annett seems out of this world. And when the loRD enters.you are mesmerized. What a conception! Listen to it the next time you see The Train.

MALGUDI DAYS (TV title)

(Music: ???)

Unfortunately, I do not know who the music director was, and will be grateful if any of the readers can supply me with this information. But whoever he was, he was a genius. The music seems so authentic for the period. The flute piece is something that can come to your mind only if you are a music wizard. Great title!

SUBAH (TV title)

(Music: R.D.Burman)

Okay.I think that Pancham is peeking a lot in this review. I promise this is the last time. But I just could not ignore this master title. Subah was perhaps the only Hindi TV serial released with the maestro's music. It haunted the people then.it haunts his fans even now!

AXEL F (Film- English)

(Music: Harold Faltermeyer)

I remember what a craze this music was, when the film Beverly Hills Cop was released in 1984. The bass pattern itself was so haunting. It still gives me Goosebumps.

A NOTE

I see that the review is already long, and hence I will stop at the best ten themes. However, I am giving ten more theme pieces, without any additional information, for the sake of the category. Please note that none of these pieces, including the one above are in any set order. All of them are great conceptions.

THE OTHER TEN

Chariots of Fire, For a few dollars more and Top Gun from the English films genre, Spiderman, Fireball XL5 and Disney Hour from the English TV title genre, Discovery of India and Jungle Book from the Hindi TV title genre.

That makes it nine. The last spot I am giving to a truly deserving music piece. Remember that small little theme which announced the commencement of TV programs in the seventies? The Doordarshan Music! It was specially composed by Pandit Ravishankar. When asked on what inspired him for the theme, he modestly replied- I do not know why people could not see the inspiration in the music itself. It is nothing but rearrangement of the tune of *Saare jahaan se accha, Hindustan hamaara.

IN CONCLUSION

This review is my humble tribute to all those greats who showed us the power of music without words. Indeed, music is a thought.and it needs no words to express itself. I may have missed many great composers on this musical journey, but it goes without saying that I respect each and every one of them.