Identify this theme from the new Upstairs, Downstairs series?

April 9, 2012 3:40 AM

The new Upstairs, Downstairs series on BBC uses a particular piece of theme music composed by Carl Davis. The theme sounds like it's based on a traditional English folk ballad, like something Vaughan Williams might have rearranged. Of course, it could be an original composition, but if it's based on an existing work I would love to know. Here is a snatch (MP3 format) from a scene in season 2 episode 4.
posted by gentle to media & arts (7 answers total)

Says here it's an original score, "occasionally inter-weaving within it elements from Alexander Faris’ popular theme for the original series (of which he has also created a new arrangement)."
posted by urbanwhaleshark at 5:28 AM on April 9, 2012

Yes, it's an original score by Carl Davis. There are many different themes used throughout (including Faris' original theme, of course), and I am asking about one in particular.
posted by gentle at 6:01 AM on April 9, 2012

It kind of sounds like "Danny Boy" to me... which is Irish, of course, but maybe that's what you're thinking of? It does have that nagging familiarity to me, too.
posted by Nibbly Fang at 8:10 AM on April 9, 2012

The tune of Danny Boy is Londondarry Air, which does sound a bit similar. But it's not the same melody.
posted by gentle at 9:47 AM on April 9, 2012

Alexander Faris' score was original, and FWIW I just double-checked that with my mother who knew him.
posted by tel3path at 11:51 AM on April 9, 2012

So, I got in touch with Carl Davis via Twitter. Here's the reply:

"Hi there, Carl confirms that it is his original composition that is now titled "The 165 Theme". Many thanks!"
posted by urbanwhaleshark at 5:03 AM on April 11, 2012

Excellent work!
posted by gentle at 5:12 AM on April 11, 2012