Wednesday 2 February 2011

John Barry RIP

It alsmost escaped LiM's attention that film soundtrack composer John Barry passed away a few days ago. He was 77 years old.
Although most noted for his work on James Bond film themes, including the instantly recognisable 007 'riff' (as re-purposed in Duran Duran's View to a Kill, for example) Barry was apparently also a pioneer in using synthesizers alongside the proper orchestra in his compositions, as in the 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. He continued writing film scores right up until Enigma in 2001.

He also composed many TV themes including this brilliant one for 70's cult-series The Persuaders!, featuring a lead faux(?)-harpsichord and a lovely moogy bass line along with balalaikas and strings. Still gives me the shivers a bit but it's unmistakeable. Thankyou Mr Barry.


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