Iconic composer Lalo Schifrin is 78 today. Most network television series don't have themes anymore, the typical argument being today's attention deficit inflicted numbskull viewers can't wait for the actual program to begin. And, of course, you have to have additional time for all the commercials. Bull. This version of the Mission theme, from the opening titles of the show's 1966 season, is only 51 seconds. Coupled with brilliantly edited montages (how many series have different title openings every week?), the main title sequence set the mood and dragged you into the show.
Interesting piece of musical trivia. The original tv theme is in 5/4 time. Before Mission, Schifrin worked on The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Jerry Goldsmith wrote that show's theme, and in its first season, it was also in 5/4 time. In later seasons, it was rescored to 4/4. I've always wondered if Schifrin wrote the Mission theme in 5/4 because of Goldsmith's influence.
Goldsmith had a penchant for themes with asymmetrical meters and odd time signatures. Witness Room 222 which is, I believe, the only theme written in 7/4 time.
Hope you were taking notes. There'll be a quiz at the end of the week.
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