Year 8 - Space Doctor Who Theme Quiz

Who originally composed the Doctor Who theme?

• Gabriel Prokofiev

• Segun Akinola

• Ron Grainer

• Delia Derbyshire

Answer explanation

The Doctor Who theme was originally composed by Ron Grainer in 1963. While Delia Derbyshire created the electronic realization of the theme, Grainer is credited as the composer.

In what year did Delia Derbyshire arrange the Doctor Who theme?

• 1980

• 1960

• 1963

• 1970

Answer explanation

Delia Derbyshire arranged the iconic Doctor Who theme in 1963, making it one of the first television themes created and produced entirely with electronic music.

What was Delia Derbyshire's nationality?

• Australian

• Canadian

• British

• American

Answer explanation

Delia Derbyshire was a British composer and musician, best known for her pioneering work in electronic music and for creating the Doctor Who theme. Therefore, the correct nationality is British.

What type of sounds did Delia Derbyshire use for the Doctor Who theme?

• Vocal harmonies

• Natural sounds

• Electronic sounds

• Traditional orchestral sounds

Answer explanation

Delia Derbyshire used electronic sounds to create the iconic Doctor Who theme. This innovative use of technology was groundbreaking for its time, distinguishing it from traditional orchestral or natural sounds.

Where did Delia Derbyshire work when she arranged the Doctor Who theme?

• BBC Radiophonic Workshop

• Abbey Road Studios

• London Symphony Orchestra

• Royal Opera House

Answer explanation

Delia Derbyshire arranged the Doctor Who theme while working at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, a pioneering studio known for experimental music and sound design, making it the correct answer.

What inspired Delia Derbyshire's interest in music and mathematics?

• Her love for painting

• Her childhood experiences

• Her favorite TV shows

• Her travels around the world

Answer explanation

Delia Derbyshire's interest in music and mathematics was inspired by her childhood experiences, which shaped her creative pursuits and led her to explore the connections between these two fields.

Who became the composer for Doctor Who in 2018?

• Gabriel Prokofiev

• Segun Akinola

• Delia Derbyshire

• Ron Grainer

Answer explanation

Segun Akinola became the composer for Doctor Who in 2018, succeeding previous composers and bringing a fresh sound to the iconic series.

What did Ron Grainer think about Delia Derbyshire's contribution to the Doctor Who theme?

• He disliked it

• He was indifferent

• He wanted to redo the theme

• He thought she should receive co-composer credit

Answer explanation

Ron Grainer recognized Delia Derbyshire's significant role in creating the Doctor Who theme and believed she deserved co-composer credit for her innovative electronic contributions.

What was one of the challenges Delia faced while creating the Doctor Who theme?

• Limited time to complete the project

• No access to a recording studio

• Lack of musical instruments

• Working without computers and synthesizers

Answer explanation

Delia faced the challenge of creating the Doctor Who theme without computers and synthesizers, which limited her ability to use modern technology for sound production, making the task more difficult.

What is a key musical element of the Doctor Who theme arranged by Delia Derbyshire?

• Harmony

• Rhythm

• Timbre

• Melody

Answer explanation

The key musical element of the Doctor Who theme arranged by Delia Derbyshire is timbre. The innovative use of electronic sounds and textures creates a distinctive auditory experience, setting it apart from traditional compositions.